Loop trains to the Elizabeth Line from New Eltham, Mottingham and other Sidcup Line stations are set to return this December at peak hours, it was revealed today, after prolonged lobbying from Conservative councillors and MPs in South East London.
More than 2,500 people signed Councillor Matt Hartley's Save The Loop petition when the loop service was unilaterally cut by Southeastern in late 2022, in a move that was roundly condemned. Today's confirmation form Southeastern of an additional 12 loop services in the morning and evening peaks from December 2024 follows eighteen months of lobbying by Conservative councillors and neighbouring MPs Louie French and Sir Bob Neil.
Councillor Matt Hartley, Conservative councillor for Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham ward, said: "I am thrilled that peak hour loop services will now return to the Sidcup Line, making the Elizabeth Line a viable commuting route once again for residents at the very south of the borough. I'd like to thank every one of the 2,500 residents across New Eltham, Coldharbour, Mottingham and beyond who backed my Save The Loop petition on this, which made a real difference in persuading Southeastern bosses to restore these services. It's been good to work alongside Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French to campaign on this issue, who along with Sir Bob Neill MP has been lobbying tirelessly to bring back the train services we need.
"This is a great result for people right along the Sidcup Line. I'll continue to make the case for more frequent, more regular services both direct into London and via the loop - and for the other public transport improvements we need like the X161 bus route that Conservative councillors have previously proposed.”
Charlie Davis, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Eltham & Chislehurst, added: “It’s great news that loop services are returning to the Sidcup Line and shows the difference that can be made by having hardworking Conservative MPs and councillors.
“One of my priorities is increasing transport connectivity in Eltham and Chislehurst. The return of the loop is a great start, and local Conservatives will continue to lobby to reverse even more of Southeastern’s timetable cuts.”
