Tuesday, March 11, 2008
IMPORTANT NEWS re THE HALL FARM CURVE
Cllr.John Beanse (Lib Dem), Hale End & Highams Park ward, Waltham Forest has obtained information that shows the rail authorities ARE now - at last - actively considering re-laying and re-opening the Hall Farm Curve.
Good news of course. However, this appears to be more as a solution to a problem than the immediate improvement in service that local campaigners are seeking.
Cllr. John Beanse explains:
"A couple of documents - "Delivering for you" (p.8) from Network Rail and Rail magazine for Jan/Feb, 2008 (p.38) refer to re-opening the Hall Farm curve - but not quite as we want it or are campaigning for!
Because of development of the Stanstead corridor, the Lea Valley Line would need greater capacity. To free up capacity into Liverpool St. via Clapton, Hackney Downs, etc, they are now actually thinking seriously of re-routing Chingford trains via Lea Bridge and Stratford - by reconstructing the Hall Farm Curve - and then from there on into Liverpool St. There would be more scope for capacity by then on the lines via Stratford and Bethnal Green, because Crossrail trains from Shenfield would disappear down the planned tunnel.
This all sounds plausible - but if this plan went ahead, how would Waltham Forest passengers get to Clapton or Hackney Downs?? - only by going into Liverpool Street and back?!
What we really need is more trains on the Chingford line AND an ALTERNATIVE service via the Hall Farm curve. Thus, for instance, there might be a choice of service and trains every 10 min. instead of 15 at most times on the Chingford - St.James St. section. As it is, it is often standing room only for many commuters, particularly in the mornings.
I regret to say that the documents I have seen do not even seem to be considering this.
So still campaigning and action are required."
Good news of course. However, this appears to be more as a solution to a problem than the immediate improvement in service that local campaigners are seeking.
Cllr. John Beanse explains:
"A couple of documents - "Delivering for you" (p.8) from Network Rail and Rail magazine for Jan/Feb, 2008 (p.38) refer to re-opening the Hall Farm curve - but not quite as we want it or are campaigning for!
Because of development of the Stanstead corridor, the Lea Valley Line would need greater capacity. To free up capacity into Liverpool St. via Clapton, Hackney Downs, etc, they are now actually thinking seriously of re-routing Chingford trains via Lea Bridge and Stratford - by reconstructing the Hall Farm Curve - and then from there on into Liverpool St. There would be more scope for capacity by then on the lines via Stratford and Bethnal Green, because Crossrail trains from Shenfield would disappear down the planned tunnel.
This all sounds plausible - but if this plan went ahead, how would Waltham Forest passengers get to Clapton or Hackney Downs?? - only by going into Liverpool Street and back?!
What we really need is more trains on the Chingford line AND an ALTERNATIVE service via the Hall Farm curve. Thus, for instance, there might be a choice of service and trains every 10 min. instead of 15 at most times on the Chingford - St.James St. section. As it is, it is often standing room only for many commuters, particularly in the mornings.
I regret to say that the documents I have seen do not even seem to be considering this.
So still campaigning and action are required."
# posted by John Beanse @ 9:08 AM 
