BORIS JOHNSON has today been slammed for claiming credit for the revamped East London line, despite it being a creation of his Labour rivals.
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“It’s a bit rich for Boris Johnson to try and take credit for it in the middle of the election campaign when it was in fact funded and started by a Labour mayor thanks to Labour government funding,” said Labour London Assembly Member, Val Shawcross
Opponents also hit out at Johnson earlier this month when the opening of the new £1B route was delayed – they say because it better suited the Mayor’s electioneering agenda.
Nevertheless, Johnson put a brave face on the furore this morning when he cut the ribbon on the first part of the route, from New Cross Gate to Dalston.
“This new railway will bring jobs and opportunities to communities up and down the line, massively improving access for hundreds of thousands of people,” he said.
“This type of investment is essential if London, throwing off the shackles of recession, is to emerge with the ability to grow, prosper, and secure its position at the summit of world cities, to the benefit of all Londoners.”
For the moment, eight trains an hour will run between New Cross Gate and Dalston, from 7am until 8pm. From 23 May, the service will increase to 12 trains an hour.
