‘Don’t abandon Gallows Corner’, M.P. for Romford tells Mayor of London.
Andrew Rosindell, the M.P. for Romford, has written to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, to urge him to ensure that Transport for London follows through with much needed improvements to the Gallows Corner flyover.
Writing in a letter, Mr Rosindell said that Gallows Corner “is one of the most dangerous junctions in the country” and suffers from “severe congestion.”
The letter was prompted by traffic chaos at the junction in the week beginning the 26th of October, with sewage works leading to gridlock. Commenting on this congestion, the M.P. said that “for minor works to cause such problems is indicative of the desperate need to upgrade the flyover.”
The letter warns the Mayor that “abandoning vital infrastructure projects will only compound the economic damage already done by the pandemic.” He goes on to urge the Mayor to “take personal charge of this issue by sorting out TfL finances and ensuring that the necessary upgrades to Gallows Corner can be completed.”
Andrew Rosindell M.P. said:
“For too long the people of Havering have had to put up with the disaster that is Gallows Corner. I share the frustrations of those on social media wondering how and why this situation can continue, with a temporary flyover still in place after 50 years of existence.
There was light at the end of the tunnel last year when Gallows Corner was shortlisted for upgrades, but for some reason that only the Mayor can tell us, TfL failed to submit a proposal for government funding to improve the junction. Now because of the woeful mishandling of TfL’s finances, there are reports it will be scrapped altogether.
It encapsulates the problem of London itself: because Havering is on London’s periphery, we get ignored by City Hall. Perhaps it’s time to restore our links with Essex authorities, where our concerns might not be ignored as they are in being lumped in with inner London!”
Keith Prince A.M. said:“When I was first elected, I invited the Mayor down to Gallows Corner. On viewing it he said the status quo cannot remain. Four years later and after an offer of £50 million from the Government he has still not taken any action.I regularly contact TfL and am told things are progressing, but they are clearly not. No doubt the Mayor will now blame this on Covid.Havering needs a Mayor who cares for it not one who only looks after Zone 1.”
How wonderful that Mr Rosindale is able to write to the Mayor for London regarding Havering’s nemesis that is Gallows Corner. For too long we the residents have had to put up with the continuing chaos that is created, yet for just as long, numerous MPs, Councillors and Uncle Tom Cobley and All, have complained about it, both verbally and in writing. All well before Mr Prince met with Mr Khan four years ago. As both Mr Rosindale and Mr Prince are so vociferous in their condemnation of the situation, then why has it taken four more years of chaos before they start making political noises again? Elections coming! Mr Johnson, did nothing about it for eight years, so Mr Khan has four more to go. Promises have been made and broken by all sides for almost 50 years. Stop pontificating, stop points scoring and if you really are keen to get the situation resolved, then don’t wait another four years before saying something again. Why not wait, say, 4 weeks, then complain again. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again; but don’t leave it four more years, or four more months for that matter. Actually score points by resolving the situation. As an aside, Mr Prince’s article on 27th October, referred to the chaos as being caused by pruning. In the article above, the chaos was caused by sewage works. Can the real reason be clarified? And, has Mr Prince had the response from Tfl that he was asking for? Has Mr Prince asked Havering Council if they were aware of the works taking place before they did? Give us all the real answers, not just those that suit yourselves or your party.