Council warns Gatwick rail link 'not fit for purpose' for 2012 Olympics » Central government » 24dash.com

A spending squeeze could leave rail links to Gatwick Airport "unfit for purpose" by the time the London 2012 Olympics start, Government ministers were warned today.

West Sussex County Council said a report on future investment shows only £9 million has been earmarked for improvements at Gatwick station instead of the £30 million-plus that has been expected.

Concerns were raised by the council at the prospect that one of the main gateways into Britain will lack a fast and effective rail network by the time the Olympics begin.

Tory county council leader Henry Smith said today he had written to Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly to state his concerns at the proposals in the hope they will intervene.

In his letter, Mr Smith said: "It is the view of West Sussex County Council that this approach makes no sense and will leave Gatwick unfit for purpose for the Olympic period and beyond."

Strong representations have also been made to the Office of Rail Regulation which has said it will not release funds needed to improve the track, signalling and platforms at the station.

Mr Smith said: "Gatwick is going to be a major gateway into this country for the Olympics, second only to Heathrow, and we need a fast, efficient and effective rail network to move people around.

"It would be a major disappointment if we only get the concourse improvements before 2012."

He added that a comprehensive improvement scheme was needed at Gatwick, not just for Olympics but for beyond in order to cope with expansion.

"We need the track, signalling and platform improvements for the long-term future of Gatwick as part of ensuring that its growth from 35.5 million passengers a year to a predicted 40 million by 2015 is as sustainable as possible," Mr Smith said.

"That means we need to encourage more people across the South East and beyond to leave their cars at home and use public transport for journeys to the airport.

"It surely also makes much more sense to complete all the work needed at Gatwick as a single package instead of adopting a piecemeal approach. Completing the full scheme at the same time is also going to minimise disruption."

A spokesman for the Office of Rail Regulation said: "We have looked at what the Government requires at Gatwick.

"This is a draft determination which came out in June. We have got a period of consultation under way during which we welcome people's soundings, including those of West Sussex County Council.

"Nothing is set in stone and we are looking to receive all consultations by September 4 with a final report out in October."

Later, a spokesman for the Office of Rail Regulation denied Mr Smith's claims that it will not release funds needed to improve the track, signalling and platforms at the station.

He said: "We have said that the scheme can be completed and for the required capacity improvements to be delivered for £9 million."