Statement by Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
Last week, my constituents and I were left deeply frustrated by yet another revised timetable for the Gallows Corner flyover works. While I appreciate the technical challenges that Transport for London, Essex & Suffolk Water, and their contractors have encountered, the reality is that the people of Romford have endured many months of disruption, uncertainty, and economic harm with little consultation.
Now, to add insult to injury, we are learning that TfL are refusing to compensate local businesses which is both outrageous and deeply unfair. Small businesses are already subject to intense attacks by central government, and there is no doubt that next week’s budget will double-down on this. Some local businesses are on the brink so everything must now be done to ensure their survival.
For months, hundreds of local residents and business owners have contacted me, describing the severe impact these delays are having on their livelihoods. Deliveries have been disrupted, journey times have soared, and customer footfall has dropped. Local businesses, already under strain because of Labour’s war on small businesses, cannot simply absorb more stalled infrastructure works.
While I welcome the confirmation of a new three-phase programme and the commitment to completing the works by spring 2026, this revised schedule must be met without further slippage. TfL and its partners must ensure that every possible measure is taken to accelerate progress safely and to minimise any additional disruption. The discovery of shale pockets, uncharted gas mains, and other technical challenges may explain the delays, but they cannot excuse the lack of certainty provided to the public until now, let alone the fact that no compensation is being issued.
This week alone, I have called on the Leader of the House of Commons to allow time for a debate on this issue, and only today did I call on the Transport Secretary to make an intervention. To no great surprise, she refused and without reason, blamed the last Government.
The people of Romford, and the wider region, rely on Gallows Corner as a critical transport artery. They have shown remarkable patience, but that patience has limits.
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
