Bellenden Residents' Group (BRG)

<http://londonreconnections.blogspot.com/2009/09/mayors-question-time-0909-overground.html> scroll down to see this exchange on 9th September Mayor's Questions:

Question to Mayor from Richard Tracey: "I believe there is cross-party support at City Hall for the Department for Transport to introduce the Victoria to Bellingham Line. Does the Mayor have any advice on how Assembly Members can play a constructive part in trying to persuade the DfT to reverse their decision and introduce this line?"

Mayor: "I would like to see both the East London Line Phase 2 and the Victoria-Bellingham services operating from 2012. it was the decision of the DfT not to provide the funding for this service. I would be happy to work with Assembly Members in lobbying the DfT on this matter.

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Question from Val Shawcross: "My letter to you of 30th June specifically requests a meeting with you. Your reply dated 24th July makes no response to this meeting request. Will you please meet a cross party deputation of the MPS, Councillors, hospitals and community groups who are trying to save the South London Line service?"

Mayor: " It is important to point out that this decision was the Department for Transport’s alone, and therefore it would be more productive to meet with them in order to lobby them. As Mayor, I do not have the ability to reverse this decision, as you well know."