Camden News: Frank Dobson | MP

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden News - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 19 March 2009

MP wades into rail station row

MP FRANK Dobson has pledged to ask questions about the destruction of Primrose Hill Station in Parliament, saying he wanted transport ministers to look into how the station’s canopy came to be bulldozed just before Christmas without any survey of public opinion.
The station closed more than 15 years ago but Transport for London has confirmed they are considering reopening it.
Network Rail took the decision to bring down the fittings but Mr Dobson said his attempts to get an answer out of the service provider had been mired in confusion.
In a letter to the MP, Network Rail’s chief executive Iain Coucher said the station was pulled down because it was an “eyesore to the local community” who were “suffering” due to “trespass and vandalism” at the station, in Bridge Approach near to Chalk Farm Road.
But he insisted that any documents or reports – which may have led to Network Rail ordering the demolition on safety grounds – were private and refused to release them.
“I am unable to provide you with any reports conducted prior to the demolition,” he told Mr Dobson, “as these are internal documents.”
Mr Dobson argues the safety reason given by press officials at the time the station was knocked down appeared to be at odds with Mr Coucher’s account. “He doesn’t mention safety at all,” said Mr Dobson, who added: “I can’t understand what the motives were for demolishing the station.
“I’m very dissatisfied with the two different and conflicting stories that have come out of Network Rail.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: