Councils launch ‘Back the Bakerloo’ campaign

The councils have launched www.backthebakerloo.org.uk to collect public pledges of support for the new £3.1 billion tube link.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Southwark Counci's cabinet member for growth, development and planning, said: "'I'm backing the Bakerloo because the extension will make a huge difference to people living and working in Old Kent Road, as well as bringing wider benefits to London.

"There will be a new town centre along one of London's most famous thoroughfares – Old Kent Road – and the extension is key to delivering more affordable homes, jobs and services to this part of London and opening up new opportunities for people across the city."

Cllr Brenda Dacres from Lewisham said: "I'm backing the Bakerloo because it will bring new jobs, more affordable homes and much improved transport links to Lewisham.

"Travelling from Lewisham to the West End will be eight minutes quicker, there will be a train every two to three minutes, and it is central to unlocking the future economic growth in Lewisham."

Initial plans drawn up by Transport for London include two stations along the Old Kent Road, but Southwark Council is seeking a third station at Bricklayers Arms.

Southwark Council leader Peter John recently met London's new deputy mayor for tranport, Heidi Alexander, to press the case for a station at Bricklayers Arms as part of the extension.

Last month Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Following the public consultation on possible Bakerloo line extension stations and shafts last year, Transport for London continues to review options for the number and location of stations along the Old Kent Road as part of the proposed scheme.

"This work is considering a range of factors including the impact of any possible station on the delivery of new homes and jobs, both in the surrounding area and in an oversite development, such as has been the case at Nine Elms station on the Northern line extension."