Prime Minister Tony Blair is to investigate why £1 million of environmental improvements have not been carried out in Leyton.

Harry Cohen says he was promised in writing that the money would be made available by the Highways Agency, but since Transport for London took over both sides have gone back on the deal.

Mr Cohen questioned Tony Blair in the House of Commons over the matter last month.

He stated: "The Highways Agency made public commitments to environmental improvements before its operations in the capital were transferred over to Transport for London.

"Those commitments have not been honoured. Four years ago, after the M11 link road was built through my constituency, I was promised, in writing, £1 million for environmental improvements to Leyton and Wanstead.

"That promise has not been fulfilled. Will the Prime Minister look into the matter so that trust can be restored in the word of Government agencies?"

Tony Blair said that Transport for London had been given money to carry out such improvements.

He said: "This is another case of a transferred obligation, as I gather that Transport for London is now responsible for compensation schemes.

"It has received about £20million for doing so, but I will certainly look into my honourable friend's point."

July 8, 2002 09:30