Transport News
North London Line alternatives
The North London Line is now closed until 1 June between Gospel Oak and Stratford, as part of a £326million upgrade of the line.
Ian Brown, Managing Director of TfL London Rail, said: “We apologise for this inconvenience and are doing all we can to minimise the disruption caused.
“This was one of the most neglected railways in the UK when we took it over two years ago and these are essential works that will help us unlock the true potential of the London Overground network, to offer a far more frequent Metro-style turn-up-and-go service.”
Andrew Munden, Route Director for Network Rail, added:
“The investment being made in the North London line is an integral part of Network Rail's plans to improve services and build a bigger and better railway in the Capital.
“The project will provide vital additional capacity for the 2012 Games and help meet growing demand on the line, which is expected to rise by a quarter in the next seven years.”
Valid London Overground tickets will be accepted on all rail replacement bus services; some existing bus routes along the affected line; and at some Tube stations.
Passengers will be able to go through Zone 1 by Tube or National Rail services, at no extra cost, providing they travel from a Tube or National Rail station near their usual London Overground station.
Travellers should check their eligibility by picking up a pamphlet at a station, or contact the Oyster Help Desk on: 0845 330 9876.
A rail replacement bus service will run between Stratford and Hampstead Heath stations every 20 minutes in both directions Monday to Saturday, and every 30 minutes on Sundays. For more info visit: www.tfl.gov.uk
22 February 2010
Walk to work through the past
Those affected by the closure of London Overground, who would prefer to walk instead of using public transport, could take in the historic sights on a walking route between two boroughs.
The Hackney Central to Highbury and Islington walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Start in Hackney at the 13th century St Augustine’s Tower, a Grade I listed building in the Narrow Way, which is all that remains of the Church of Hackney of St Augustine.
Roughly 10 minutes west of the tower, walkers will pass the German Hospital on Dalston Lane, which started as a 12-bed hospital in 1845. It grew to become a well known and respected institution which Florence Nightingale visited twice.
Cross Kingsland Road. The Romans first built a road here almost 2,000 years ago, called Ermine Street, which ran all the way to Lincoln and York.
Follow St Paul’s Road and turn off just before Canonbury Park South to walk along part of the New River path. On the way to Highbury and Islington station, pass the site of Canonbury House, which has a 16th century tower. For more walking and cycling options visit the Movegreener page.
22 February 2010
Travel plan reward
Pupils at Kingsmead Primary School were treated to an interactive performance about travelling to school by The Big Wheel Theatre Company.
The E9 school was one of 10 in Hackney to see ‘Go! Go! Go!’ this month, as a reward for all their hard work keeping their school travel plan active.
Pupils took part in each performance, with everyone given a part to play in the production. Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“School travel plans are incredibly important in helping promote a safe and sustainable means of travel for pupils, parents and teachers. It is great to see our pupils enjoying these theatre productions, which carry such an important message in an engaging and entertaining way.”
Other schools to get a visit were Tawhid Boys School and Tyssen community primary in Stamford Hill; Northwold, Grasmere Getters, and St Mary’s CE primary schools in Stoke Newington; and Our Lady and St Joseph RC Primary School in Dalston.
Sebright primary in Hackney Wick, St John the Baptist CE primary in Hoxton and Lauriston primary in South Hackney also enjoyed the production. Peter Sanders, Deputy Head at Lauriston primary, said: “Our children absolutely loved ‘Go! Go! Go!’ The actors, Virginie and Louise, completely captivated the children and held their attention throughout the 70 minutes.”
The Council works with local schools to produce a School Travel Plan. It promotes sustainable travel such as walking and cycling and outlines practical steps for improving children’s health and safety on the journey to and from school.
More information
Visit the School Travel Plans page.
22 February 2010
Pedalling wins prizes
A £25,000 prize is up for grabs for organisations that successfully encourage more employees to cycle to work.
The Cycling Star Alliance, a group of cycling suppliers, is offering specialist knowledge and bike equipment to organisations with more than 1,000 employees.
The two winners will each receive a tailored 12-month programme of consultancy, parking, bikes, maintenance and cycle training worth £12,500.
The winners will be chosen from one business or public sector organisation and one NHS trust/hospital.
The closing date for entries is 12 March.
To enter visit: www.lcc.org.uk
22 February 2010
Page updated: 23 Feb 2010