Government ministers have been asked to provide details of progress on the Crossrail project.

London mayor Ken Livingstone and five council leaders have sent Transport Secretary Alistair Darling a letter, asking him to give the matter more urgency.

A decision on the multi-billion pound project, linking east and west London, was originally expected earlier this year. Now local government leaders in London are concerned these delays could signal serious problems for Crossrail.

It is seen as a vital addition to the city’s rail network, and would eventually link Heathrow, Paddington, and east London.

Crossrail is also important to London’s Olympic bid, as it would provide improved access to potential sites in east London.