Last night Councillor Richard Wilson went out knocking on doors near Harringay Station to make people aware of an important consultation about the future of train services into Moorgate and Kings Cross.  The current franchise, run by First Capital Connect, is coming to an end so the Department for Transport are consulting on what the specifications should be for the new franchise.  This is the first opportunity to argue for better services and improvements to the trains and stations.

But what makes it really important is that the Government is spending £6 billion upgrading services, which includes linking our line into Thameslink – with the potential of services through to stations such as Farringdon, Blackfriars and London Bridge from 2018.  However, the platforms at Harringay (and Hornsey) are not long enough and perhaps not on the right tracks for the new bigger Thameslink trains – and there don’t seem to be any plans to lengthen them or add new platforms.  So there is a risk that we could miss out from this investment – or even lose out if less services call at Harringay.

Richard says, “As a very regular user of this train service I’m determined to make sure we don’t miss out and that this investment reduces overcrowding and makes our services more reliable.  I spoke to lots of people this evening who feel the same – the quick rail link to the City is essential to many residents.  I’m urging people to respond directly to the Department of Transport’s consultation and to fill out Lynne Featherstone’s survey so she can make the case in her submission and in her meetings with Transport Ministers.”