THE LACK of decent bus, tube and rail services in this borough – especially at the weekends – was discussed at the Assembly meeting last week. Cllr Graham Bramley criticised Transport for London (TfL) over uncomfortably overcrowded journeys and poor acce

THE LACK of decent bus, tube and rail services in this borough - especially at the weekends - was discussed at the Assembly meeting last week.

Cllr Graham Bramley criticised Transport for London (TfL) over uncomfortably overcrowded journeys and poor access to travel on Saturdays and Sundays.

He questioned why the District and Jubilee lines were closed simultaneously, effectively cutting Barking and Dagenham off from the rest of London.

Cllr Bramley said: "As far as transport is concerned we are east London's poor relation.

"With limited bus routes, tube closures and sub standard interchanges at major transport hubs like Barking station."

He presented a motion on Wednesday July 22 calling on TfL to give people in this borough the same transport services as the rest of the capital.

The motion was supported by many councillors including Cllr Evelyn Carpenter who told the Assembly she had discovered Barking and Dagenham has only 28 bus routes while neighbouring borough, Redbridge, has 42.

Cllr Bramley also criticised the No. 5 bus route which has been the centre of several campaigns in the POST for more frequent and reliable service.

He suggested that the five should stop at Queen's Hospital as people in this borough do not have enough access to their nearest hospital.

The motion was carried by a majority vote, although opposition leader, Cllr Bob Bailey, said he believed MPs Margaret Hodge and John Cruddas should lobby the government for funding.