The Future of Radlett Station
When Thameslink 2000 originated in the mid-80s part of the plan was to upgrade the line to take 12 coach trains. The only station in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire not earmarked for upgrade was Radlett.
It was inconceivable that Health & Safety would not preclude 12 coach trains stopping at short platforms, so Radlett was really at risk of becoming a second class station.
For many years the Association of Passenger Transport Users (APTU), our MP James Clappison, Hertfordshire County Council and your Parish Council have been battling to find out
In May 2006 James Clappison, our MP, arranged for Clive Glover (APTU) and me to meet Derek Twigg, the Transport Minister. Informally he agreed that when Thameslink received the go-ahead the upgrading of Radlett station would be reviewed; the approval the Thameslink was announced late last year. It was with surprise and delight that we heard last month that Radlett would be included in the upgrade.
This does not mean that the Thameslink Project (as it is now called) will proceed because the finance is not yet in place; what it does mean is that Radlett will not be omitted if it happens.
This is a significant victory.
I would like to thank all those who wrote in support of the campaign, whether to the Parish Council, County Council, the train operators or MPs. The volume of support motivated all campaigners and ensured that the issue was taken seriously.
Councillor David Lambert