Information centres are being set up in convenient places along the Crossrail route as part of a major public consultation between October 27 and December 3, 2003.

The centres will be operated by Crossrail staff who will be available to answer any questions about the proposed rail network.

Local newspapers and radio stations will carry adverts notifying the location of local centres, and letters are also being sent to all affected parties. A leaflet with venue details is also being distributed, and should be available from local council offices and libraries in boroughs affected by the route.

The Crossrail website www.crossrail.co.uk will also carry most of the information to be found in the information centres.

People can also call the 24 hour a day seven day a week helpdesk on 0845 602 3813 or email helpdesk at crossrail.co.uk

Information will also be available on request for eight other languages, in braille, large print or audio. There is also a freepoast address: Crossrail, FREEPOST NAT 6945, London SW1H 0BR.

Norman Haste, CLRL chief executive, commented: Whatever way you want to contact us, please do so. We want to hear from you. This is a unique chance to make a significant difference to public transport and life in London and in the country. We want to get Crossrail right and we need you to help us in this.

He added: Cross London Rail Links Ltd is the company the Government set up to deliver the Crossrail railway network to the Capital, and that is what we are determined to do.'

Sir Christopher Benson, CLRL chairman, added: Crossrail is the great opportunity to enhance the lives of Londoners and visitors. It will contribute hugely to London's pre-eminence as the capital of European finance and business.

Cross London Rail Links Ltd is a 50/50 joint venture between Transport for London (TfL) and the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA). The company has been allocated


The company has been allocated £154m from the Department for Transport's 10-Year Plan to carry out feasibility work and to acquire powers for Crossrail Lines 1 and 2.

On July 14, 2003, the Secretary of State gave the go-ahead for the Crossrail business case to be further scrutinised and for CLRL to begin the process of public consultation.

Information from ianrathbone at crossrail.co.uk