Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, has welcomed the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission’s report released today, in which the Commission recommend that Crossrail should be extended from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet.

Sir David has campaigned for the extension of Crossrail with both Parliamentary colleagues and local Councillors, and made strong representations to Sir John Armitt, Chairman of the Commission, in favour of the proposal. He also participated in an Adjournment Debate in Parliament last month where he and others highlighted the many benefits of the extension.

The Commission notes that the extension of Crossrail to Ebbsfleet could support up to 50,000 jobs and 55,000 homes, and it also states the project could help to accelerate the delivery of 30,000 homes in Bexley, directly unlocking 16,000 of these.

Other recommendations from the Commission include support for town centre regeneration along the south Essex and north Kent foreshores; developing more targeted education and skills strategies to provide the skilled workers that employers need; and planning at least three new Thames crossings.

Sir David commented: “this is excellent news and I am delighted the Commission has supported our campaign to extend Crossrail from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet. This extension would help alleviate some of the problems with Bexley’s poor transport infrastructure, whilst also supporting significant growth and development.”