Latest news with #BrendaDacres
Time Out
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Londoners overwhelmingly support the Bakerloo line extension, according to a new report
It's not everyday that you can get a majority of Londoners to agree on something. From festivals at Brockwell Park to developments on Brick Lane and the newly opened Silvertown Tunnel, there are countless things that have the city's population riled up and divided. But there's at least one thing that appears to bring (most) Londoners together... the long-awaited Bakerloo line extension. If you're not up to speed, the Bakerloo line extension has been a work in progress for the last 11 years but is still yet to get the official green light. TfL plans to extend the 119-year-old line into the southeast of the city, past Elephant and Castle and ending in Lewisham. It also wants to modernise it with new stations and new trains. You can read about the plans in full here. Now, Southwark, Lewisham, Brent and Westminster councils have surveyed local businesses and residents to get their take on the proposed Bakerloo line extension. And, turns out, the overwhelming majority support the plans. Let's break the numbers down. The poll, commissioned by the councils and Central London Forward, found that nine in 10 businesses (89 percent) back the proposal, three quarters believe it would have a positive impact on their operations and 70 percent believe it would benefit them. Just over half of the businesses agreed that the extension would bring them more customers and 56 percent said it would boost their chances for expansion in the future. When it comes to residents, 76 percent of those surveyed said that they are in support of the Bakerloo extension. Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres said: 'For too long, parts of Lewisham have been cut off from the Tube network — but the Bakerloo Line Extension changes that. This project has huge support from our community because it means better access to jobs, easier commutes, and real opportunities for local residents and businesses. 'It's time to bring the Underground to Lewisham, Catford and beyond to supercharge connections across South East London, and deliver benefits that will ripple across London and the UK.' Despite all that support, the Bakerloo line extension is still waiting on the approval that actually counts – the government's. If the project gets the official blessing and funding it needs, TfL says it could begin in 2030 and be complete by 2040.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
All those who support Bakerloo Line extension through Lewisham and Bromley
New independent research has shown overwhelming support for the Bakerloo Line upgrade and extension. The findings reveal that 76 per cent of residents and 89 per cent of businesses along Transport for London's (TfL) proposed route, from Harrow to Bromley, are in favour of the project. Only one per cent of residents and two per cent of businesses oppose the plans. The proposed upgrade and extension of the Bakerloo Line is an infrastructure project that aims to boost London's connectivity, unlocking homes, jobs, and economic growth. The research, conducted by Survation and Norstat, surveyed more than 2,000 residents and businesses from London boroughs along the proposed route. The findings show that 78 per cent of Southwark residents and 90 per cent of businesses, 79 per cent of Lewisham residents and 84 per cent of businesses, and 69 per cent of Bromley residents and 89 per cent of businesses support the proposals. The project aims to break down long-standing transport and economic barriers, as parts of Southwark and the entirety of Lewisham and Bromley are currently excluded from the London Underground network. The research shows that 57 per cent of residents believe the upgrade and extension would improve their ability to travel to work, and 45 per cent say it would unlock new employment opportunities. Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, said: "For too long, parts of Lewisham have been cut off from the Tube network, but the Bakerloo Line Extension changes that. "This project has huge support from our community because it means better access to jobs, easier commutes, and real opportunities for local residents and businesses." Councillor Kieron Williams, leader of Southwark, added: "The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is vital to deliver the growth our country needs. "It would bring a £1.5bn per year boost to our national economy, supporting over 150,000 jobs across Britain." The project could also stimulate growth for businesses, with 63 per cent of businesses stating it could enable their business to grow, and more than half agreeing it could lead them to expand in the future. The project also has the potential to contribute to the UK's journey to net zero, with 45 per cent of residents saying they would consider leaving their car at home for more journeys as a result of the new and improved line. Professor Frances Corner, OBE, of Goldsmiths, University of London, said: "The proposed extension of the Bakerloo Line through Lewisham represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock jobs, growth and educational opportunity in our borough." James Glancey, founder and CEO of James Glancey Design in Southwark, added: "We are hugely in favour of the Bakerloo Line Extension. "We have a team of 60 full-time and a station close to Ilderton Road will connect us with other parts of London and make it easier for the team to get in and out of work. "I can't tell you how much it will improve the neighbourhood and make this part of London function in a vastly improved way."
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Urgent calls for action on Bakerloo Line extension for 'excluded' south east London
Councils, businesses, and partners have made an urgent call for the government to commit to the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension project. The Back the Bakerloo campaign, led by London councils, Central London Forward, and BusinessLDN, is pushing for this infrastructure project to be included in the upcoming 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy and for funding to be secured in the Comprehensive Spending Review. The Bakerloo Line is a crucial part of London's transport and economic infrastructure, but with the current train fleet being 16 years past its estimated lifespan, the service is at risk of full withdrawal. Transport for London (TfL) is seeking to upgrade the line with new rolling stock, which would enable the line to run 27 trains per hour rather than the current 20, as well as making the service more comfortable and reliable for passengers. The first phase of the proposed extension is via the Old Kent Road, with new tube stations at New Cross Gate and Lewisham. The second phase would take the Bakerloo Line beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction, making use of the existing National Rail line by converting it to a London Underground operation. This would see Ladywell, Catford Bridge, and Lower Sydenham stations integrated into the tube network, helping support development in the south east of London and enabling capacity on the wider rail network. A recent impact assessment highlights the significant benefits the project will bring nationwide, including injecting at least an extra £1.5 billion into the UK economy per annum, unlocking the delivery of 107,000 new homes in London, and supporting 150,000 good jobs. Councillor Kieron Williams, leader of Southwark Council (Image: Lewisham Council) Councillor Kieron Williams, leader of Southwark Council, said: "The time has come for the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension – a shovel-ready project that would unlock thousands of new homes along the line and bring a national economic growth boost of £1.5 billion, creating thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain." Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres (Image: Lewisham Council) Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, said: "For too long south east London has been excluded from the world-class London Underground Network and the benefits of being a well-connected inner London borough. "With Lewisham wages nearly 40 per cent lower on average than neighbouring boroughs, the Bakerloo line extension would be a game-changer for unlocking inclusive growth and opportunities not just in the south east but across the UK." Councillor Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: "The Bakerloo Line is an iconic part of London's underground, its history, and its culture. "It connects our great landmarks, from Wembley to the West End, and is a vital part of economic infrastructure - with one in six jobs in London within a 12-minute walk of a station. "But the significant challenges facing the ageing line – and its 10 stations that fall in the borough of Brent – put it at risk of total failure." Councillor Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council and chair of Central London Forward, said: "The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is vital to London and the UK's drive for inclusive growth and to tackle the housing crisis. "We urgently need to build more homes in every part of the country and in London, that means finding new areas for development. "The project would unlock the delivery of 107,000 new homes in London, playing a major role in meeting the Government's housebuilding targets. "It would also mean improving air quality by taking 20,000 car journeys off the road each day, supporting inclusive growth across London." The project has overwhelming support, backed by the Mayor of London, TfL, and London Councils. As per TfL's most recent public consultation, of the nearly 9,000 respondents, an overwhelming 89 per cent expressed their support of the Bakerloo Line Extension proposals.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Row breaks out over London council's alleged links to church accused of abuse
A political row has broken out over a South London council's apparent connections to a controversial church accused of abuse and exploitation by former members. Rival politicians clashed at a Lewisham Council meeting last Wednesday (January 22) over the Labour-run council's dealings with the United Church of the Kingdom of God [UCKG] — as both sides of the council chamber accused each other of playing 'political football' with the issue. Independent Lewisham councillor Hau-Yu Tam asked Mayor Brenda Dacres if the council would 'apologise' for including the UCKG in an interfaith walk in September 2024. The Guardian reported as far back as 2022 claims from former church members who alleged abuse against the church, with a church spokesperson claiming in response at the time 'former members promote hatred against the church on social media and vilify its beliefs and practices'. Cllr Tam, who quit Labour in July last year, said there had been 'ample allegations of exploitation' made against UCKG, including emotional, financial and anti-LGBTQ+ abuse. UCKG has denied the allegations. Cllr Tam noted that the Diocese of Southwark, which also participated in the walk, had issued a statement in October last year saying it 'deeply regretted' distress caused by UCKG's involvement. She added: 'A survivor, who is also a Lewisham resident, welcomed the apology, saying that it validates UCKG survivors and acknowledges that they have experienced abuse. Will the council follow suit with the Diocese of Southwark and validate survivors by issuing an apology for including UKCG on the interfaith walk?' In response, Labour Mayor Brenda Dacres claimed the council had no relationship with the church, despite a cabinet member working at the Catford branch, and said the council 'condemned' all forms of abuse, wherever it took place. She added: 'To me it's important that the welfare of any survivor… get[s] the help that they need and this is not used as a political football in any means.' Mayor Dacres continued speaking before a visibly annoyed Cllr Tam interjected: 'You are the one that's politicising this issue because you're avoiding [the question].' In December 2022, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that Cllr Kim Powell, the council's Cabinet Member for Business, worked at UCKG as a Community Outreach Manager. As of Friday (January 24, 2024), Cllr Powell's register of interests still lists her as working at the controversial church. Cllr Powell told the LDRS: 'I work as Community Outreach Manager for Catford UCKG; this role is on my declaration of interests. My day job, and my councillor work, are completely separate.' A UCKG spokesperson said: 'We certainly do not abuse or exploit anyone. Our many current members appreciate the church and the good work it does, and would tell a different story. We are proud of the many practical successes we are achieving throughout the UK, with such initiatives as our soup kitchens and food banks, as well as the spiritual ones that promote happiness and peace of mind.' A Lewisham Council spokesperson said Mayor Dacres had met with members of Surviving Universal UK, a group that advocates for victims of religious abuse, to hear their 'specific safeguarding concerns'. The spokesperson added: 'No safeguarding concerns or referrals were made and we have not received any other reports from the public about the Catford branch, however we encourage anyone with concerns to speak to our safeguarding team. 'We take safeguarding concerns very seriously. Anyone concerned about an adult or child at risk of abuse or neglect can speak to us confidentially – details are available on our website, or we can be reached on 020 8314 6000.' Cllr Tam, who is Lewisham's only non-Labour councillor, described Mayor Dacres' response to her question as 'ill-tempered' and 'waffling' in an email to the LDRS. She added: 'Around half of all councillors applauded or voiced approval after the Mayor finished her comments.' In her email the councillor made it clear that she felt that this was to deter her from speaking and make her feel that she was doing something wrong by speaking up.
