Following the Inquiry in 2002 the Inspector produced a report endorsing the BR/Railtrack scheme stating that the damage to
the Borough Market area would be in the public interest weighed against the improvement in public transport Thameslink 2000 would bring. The Inspector identified three areas of deficiency that needed further work including the type of replacement buildings at Borough Market/High Street.

_

Since the report was published resident’s reps have made representations to the Government requesting an updated assessment of the key aims and objectives of the TL2000. The Government has instructed the new rail company Network Rail to do further work on the scheme and a new Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out. A new Public Inquiry
is to be held later in 2005.

Once again residents will have to prepare evidence and provide expert witnesses to present a second case, this requires preparing statements, evidence and documents for submission prior to the opening of the Inquiry. The community groups will have to organise volunteers, raise funds in order to present detailed evidence to the Inquiry.

This is an overwhelming process for a relatively few number of people given that Network Rail, (like Railtrack before it) have public money and a team of staff to prepare, hire legal experts and present the railway company’s case.

As before the community will have to rely on volunteers to conduct a publicity campaign (produce newsletters, set up a new website etc.) research, prepare and present evidence and attend the Inquiry.

This is the last chance to put a stop to a scheme that residents believe will have a disastrous effect on a unique and thriving part of London.