The Government's decision to further delay the Thameslink 2000 rail project has been slammed by transport officials.

Work on the project was to have started this year and finished in 2008, but is now likely to be delayed for some time.

Thameslink 2000, when built, will run north- south and provide better connections and faster travel for people travelling into and through London.

But the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister today announced it had rejected the current project design and has asked Network Rail to draft another application.

Ian Brown, Managing Director of London Rail, part of Transport for London, said the city desperately needs positive action from Government to get Thameslink built.

"The office of the Deputy Prime Minister has effectively slammed the door on that idea and the project goes back to square one."

A public inquiry had found faults in the project, but TfL was hoping this could have been overcome with a plan to build Thameslink in two phases, said Mr Brown.

"I urge the Government to look again at the benefits Thameslink would bring to London and to reconsider its decision."

January 30, 2003 15:30