An ambitious plan to bring the tube to Streatham has been launched by a parliamentary candidate.
Chuka Umunna, Labour’s candidate for the Streatham constituency, has started the campaign in response to news a southern extension of the Bakerloo line to Lewisham is being considered by Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London (TfL).
Mr Umunna argues Streatham is in far greater need of improved transport links than the south-east London borough, and at least one London Underground stop would give a huge regenerative boost to the area.
He said: “Streatham has been ignored for far too long while other area have benefited from better transport provision. This community deserves better.”
His proposals involve extending the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle through Camberwell and Brixton to Streatham.
An extension of the Victoria Line from Brixton would also be possible, but because of capacity constraints on the line, could only go ahead once the proposed Crossrail 2 scheme is built, he added.
Mr Umunna’s campaign was sparked by news a feasibility examination of extending the line to Lewisham is at an advanced stage.
He argued Lewisham is already well served by various transport connections, and said a tube station would help struggling businesses, bring visitors to attractions like the Streatham Ice Arena, could link into the Streatham Hub development, and reduce congestion in Streatham High Road.
He called it “a long term” project that could be built once public finances improved after the recession.
An online petition has been set up at streathamlabour.org.uk.
A TfL spokeswoman said preliminary work to look at the feasibility of extending the Bakerloo line south indicates that an extension “could deliver significant benefits”.
She added: “Much more detailed analysis is needed before any firm proposal can be developed and funding would still be required for this initiative.”
She said TfL’s priority was to complete the renewal and upgrade works.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here