Newham campaigners angry over Crossrail disruption

A group of residents are angry at the road disruption caused by Crossrail's tunneling work in Albert Road, North Woolwich. Picture: Isabel Infantes

Tiania Stevens Thursday, February 14, 2013
4:54 PM

Newham campaigners want Crossrail to be more transparent with their construction plans by keeping local residents informed of possible disruptions.

Verycrossrail’s proposals for Crossrail and Newham Council

Crossrail

* Guarantees from emergency services working with Crossrail that appropriate emergency services have access to every household in North Woolwich and Silvertown

*Clarification on working hours of the Crossrail project and that all work be carried out only within published hours

*A proper system of traffic lights be placed on Albert Road and other relevant roads

* The establishment of the shuttle bus in the North Woolwich and Silvertown area to assist elderly and disabled who can’t walk long distances

*Guarantees that any damage caused to homes by Crossrail works will be fully repaired at no cost to the owner or occupier

*Measures put in place for adequate parking provisions made according to shop keeper requirements

*Address television digital reception problems caused by Crossrail cranes

Newham Council

*To urgently review changing parking and access to back roads, to enable easier access for local residents

*To put in place measures to deal with road damage caused by Crossrail works quickly

Verycrossrail Group said the £16 billion high speed rail link will cause major disruption to roads and public transport in North Woolwich and surrounding areas.

A number of residents are still waiting to hear from Crossrail and Newham Council about plans to change Albert Road to a one-way system from April 6, for eight months, according to the action group.

Campaigners say residents travelling towards Canning Town from North Woolwich, will be diverted towards the University of East London (UEL), along Spine Road and across Connaught Bridge, which could add an extra two or three miles onto their journey,

The group claim Richard Storer, from Crossrail, informed them at a meeting in January, that plans to introduce a shuttle bus service to ease transport woes during construction works, had been scrapped.

Crossrail's tunneling work at Albert Road, North Woolwich. Picture: Isabel Infantes

David Conroy, member of Verycrossrail Group, said: “If that’s Crossrail’s idea of consultation then it explains why we are in the predicament we are now in.”

A spokesperson for Crossrail said: “We are working with TfL to finalise plans to improve existing bus services in the local area to make it easier for local residents who want to travel west from Albert Road.

He added: “If local people are under the impression the impression that the proposed shuttle bus service has been scrapped then there has been a misunderstanding. We are finalising plans to improve bus services once the new traffic management starts in April.”

Damage to Newland Street caused by Crossrail is not being dealt with quickly enough by the council and poses a health and safety risk, according to the group.

A Newham Council spokesperson said: “We take the concerns of our residents extremely seriously.

“This is why our maintenance contractors have been working hard for the past four weeks to repair any potholes on Newland Street.”

Proposals drawn up by the groups’ steering committee will be discussed with Crossrail and Newham Council representatives at a public meeting next month.