Good News for Commuters

People rejoiced when it was announced that the East London tube line was to be extended from New Cross through Sydenham to Crystal Palace and West Croydon. This would put Sydenham on the tube map and be great for people working in Docklands.

Joy turned to consternation when it was realised that the four short trains an hour on the LT line was planned to lead to a reduction from six to four trains an hour on the mainline into London Bridge. These are already heavily overloaded at peak time (and that's from Sydenham, commuters in Brockley have been catching trains south and crossing over to get on board as it is often impossible to board further up the line).

In other words - for most Sydenham commuters the situation would get worse, not better, when the tube arrives in 2010.

The Sydenham Society & the recently formed Forest Hill Society combined to make these plans known to commuters and orchestrated a lobby campaign to get the plans reversed. This led`to 'Questions in the House' and much more.

Now it looks as if the train operators have had second thoughts. Leaks suggest the six trains an hour will be maintained through the peak periods and the six car trains will become eight. Pat Trembath's posting in the Forum gives more information «here»

Good News for Property Owners

Homeowners and property developers alike hoped the coming of the tube would make Sydenham a more desireable place to live. Appearing on the tube map would make Sydenham as visible and accessible as more fashionable parts of London.

With obvious benefits to their investment!

A new report from Dr Steve Gibbons of the London School of Economics shows the expected increases in property prices expected from proximity to metropolitan railway stations. Dr Gibbons says:

"Residential properties within walking distance of rail stations attract a significant price premium. Prices increase by about nine percentage points for each kilometre move towards a London Underground station or Docklands Light Railway station."

Demographic buffs might want to read his paper «here». Homeowners might prefer to read the Financial Times take on the effect «here» in an article that applies it to our line (though strangely missing out Sydenham from the list of stations to benefit).

Will we get more Grauniad than FT readers invading our turf? Will the benefit to those looking to cash in on the value of their homes be countered by those concerned the gentrification of Sydenham will 'price-out' existing residents who are not on the property ladder?

Your views are welcome in the Sydenham Town Forum «here»