WITH costs spiralling to more than £145 million, Hertfordshire County Council has revealed a support and funding plan while insisting that the long-delayed Croxley Rail Link will still, eventually, surface.

The proposed link between the Metropolitan tube line and Watford Junction station has gained the support of the East of England Regional Planning Panel – support which could help the project receive £119.5 million from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Stuart Pile, the county council’s executive member for transport, said the announcement was a “significant step forward”.

He added: “This is good news for everyone in Watford. The proposed rail link will have a major impact on relieving congestion, as well as improving transport links between London and Watford town centre.

“We are committed to this scheme. I look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”

The council plans to contribute up to £26 million to the project, money which it hopes to get back through ticket sales and other London Underground revenue.

Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: “I’m delighted that the scheme has now got regional approval.

“We have been campaigning for the Croxley Rail Link for a number of years and it should help alleviate traffic congestion by taking 300,000 car journeys from the road network.

“Clearly, the green light for the health campus project makes the rail link more viable. The link will open up the transport systems for residents living in Watford and the wider area.”

The council is still seeking the DfT’s permission to build the link.