Boris Johnson fights plan to shut commuter route

Boris Johnson is fighting proposals to close a rail route into Victoria and London Bridge stations after accusing the Government of ducking out of its responsibilities to pay for an alternative service.

Because of platform works to accommodate the increased Thameslink services at London Bridge station, the South London Line will close in three years.

Two options were proposed to make up for the shutdown: a new service between Bellingham and Victoria or the further extension of the East London Line to complete an orbital London Overground network.

The Department for Transport has made clear that funding would only be available for one of the projects.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis is pressing the Mayor to back proposals to withdraw the South London Line service.