CONSERVATIVES in St Albans have criticised the Government's much-heralded transport spending review as 'not adding up to a row of beans' for the city.

The review, announced last Thursday, brought together all the possible and planned transport schemes in the country - including local schemes - into one document.

Its publication has been welcomed by St Albans Labour MP Kerry Pollard who said it meant there would be real and planned investment in transport over the years.

But would-be St Albans Tory MP Charles Elphicke said: 'The Government mention telephone number spending figures but it doesn't add up to a row of beans for St Albans.

'The planned M1 widening was axed but now we are told it is an 'option' - which means that it is still axed but they are not admitting it.

'The much-needed Thameslink 2000 has been delayed and the review offers nothing new for local railways.'

Mr Pollard said: 'For the first time since the war we have a government thinking in the medium to long term. The economy is growing well and we can afford it but there is no doubt that we need to see it delivered.

'I do not see why people should be disillusioned - we have got to start somewhere.'

Transport plans mentioned in the review and relevant to St Albans are:

-Safety improvements at the M1 junction 7 (Park Street) to 6A (M25), to be completed by March 2002

-Completion of Thameslink 2000

-Major upgrade on the West Coast Main Line.

There is also an update on the so-called London to south Midlands multi-modal study, which is set to examine transport problems and solutions along the M1.

The multi-modal study will look at motorway widening, including on the M1, developments in rural bus services and possible train improvements.

Consultants are due to be appointed for the study this September.

The Government has also committed itself to funding local transport plans, which include that produced by Hertfordshire County Council. Money is set to go towards bus, cycle and road safety schemes in the county.

-Mr Pollard has been told that estimates of the cost of upgrading the West Coast Main Line have risen from £2.3billion to £5.85billion. The work at Watford Junction Station is crucial if a railway link is to be established between St Albans Abbey and London. Responding to a Commons question on July 21, Transport Minister Keith Hill said the figures would be scrutinised before draft conclusions are announced later this month.