Passengers' hopes for a better and more frequent train service in Barnet were in jeopardy this week after Railtrack was taken into administration with debts of £3.3billion.

The £1billion Thameslink 2000 project already delayed by at least two years was designed to transform the Thameslink and WAGN routes, offering improved stations and longer trains running 24 times an hour through central London from Brighton to King's Lynn and Littlehampton.

It was due to be finished by 2007, but even that is now in doubt after Transport Secretary Stephen Byers successfully applied for Railtrack, the main funders behind Thameslink 2000, to be taken into administration on Sunday after a request for more Government money was rejected.

A spokesman from appointed administrator Ernst and Young said any decision on Thameslink 2000 would remain with Railtrack's future successor since no contracts had been signed for the project.

"Only contracts for work which have already been signed or work that is already underway will definitely go ahead," he said.

A final decision, he added, was not expected for a "number of months".

A statement from the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions said: "There will be a review of the larger contracts but in the meantime contractors will be requested to work on these contracts in line with existing work schedules."

A public inquiry on the project closed in May this year and a Government report was expected next summer to allow trains to start running by late 2007.

Hendon MP Andrew Dismore remained upbeat and said he did not forecast any problems. "I have no reason to suspect it won't go ahead," he said.

"It is still a bit too early to start jumping up and down."

Rufus Barnes, chairman of the London Transport Users Committee, said: "We share the concerns that London does need more rail capacity and we very much hope that the problems with Railtrack will not add to the difficulties in getting the new line improvements."

The planned £3billion development in Cricklewood, on land owned by Railtrack Group Plc, is not expected to be affected by the Government's decision.

Richard Patient, spokesman for Cricklewood Redevelopment Ltd, said: "We are determined to continue with the process of this regeneration initiative. Railtrack Group Railtrack's property division is not in administration, and that is the company that owns the property.

"It is highly likely that whoever owns the land this regeneration will still go ahead."

October 10, 2001 19:08

JULIAN HILLS