Old Kent Road commuters don’t believe delayed Bakerloo Line Extension would make much difference

By Grainne Cuffe, local democracy reporter

The £4 billion Bakerloo line extension has been delayed indefinitely – but local residents are not too fussed about it.

Transport for London (TfL) plans to extend the Bakerloo line along the Old Kent Road in Southwark and into Lewisham. 

It would mean commuters would have a direct line from South East to North East London.

But TfL announced in March that the mammoth plans were delayed indefinitely after its finances were battered by the pandemic. 

One of the potential stations could be beside Tesco on the Old Kent Road, right beside Burgess Park.  

The area is in a train and Tube dead spot, with the nearest stations between 20 and 30 minutes-walk away.  

But on Tuesday morning (August 24) commuters weren’t bothered by the delay and said they believe the area is well connected with frequent buses.  

Declan Delaney said he has no issue with his commute into Central London.  

He said: “My journey is usually fine, I get two buses into work. 

“The Tube in South London is dreadful but the buses are OK.” 

But the 29-year-old insurance worker added: “Going from South East to South West is a nightmare.” 

Elle Coggin, 29, who also works in Central London, said the buses are good.

She said: “It’s quite well connected – I guess you always have to go up to the big stations to go further but generally I find it alright.”

Elle said the extension would be welcome and that the “more links the better”.

But she worried about the impact it would have on the cost of living in the area.  

She said: “It changes the local area a bit so you want to make sure that people aren’t pushed out because everything becomes more expensive – in that sense we don’t need it.”

Joseph, who works in Elephant and Castle, said the transport in the area in “pretty great”.  

He said: “We live in a dead spot for the Tube but aside from that it’s very good for me getting to work.” 

Abdul Niazi, a local shopkeeper, was disappointed to hear the plans were delayed. 

He said: “It would be great for the area. People would be able to get places a lot faster, it’s slower on the buses.” 

Friends Beverley Beadle, 64, and Jill Yuall, 63, had high praise for the transport links in the area and across the capital.  

Beverley said: “I didn’t realise they were bringing the Bakerloo line here – that would be wicked.  

“But I think the transport links here and in London in general are brilliant.” 

Renters Chris and Abbey said the extension will be “nice when it comes” but they were happy about the delay because it means they have more time to buy a home in the area.

Chris said: “It’s a bit annoying that it’s delayed but it gives us longer to buy a house before the prices go up.  

“The transport is not as good as it is elsewhere – you just have to get used to cycling or get the bus more, which is fine. 

“It’s actually nice to be above ground for longer.” 

Southwark and Lewisham councils hope the extension will “unlock” 12,000 new homes by improving connections to the boroughs.  

As it stands it is unclear when the plans will become a reality.

But Transport Secretary Grant Shapps issued formal directions in March for councils to protect the land needed for underground tunnels and new stations.

TfL and Southwark and Lewisham councils have been contacted for comment.