Transport for London has shelved plans for the long-awaited Sutton tram-link due to financial pressures.

The announcement follows the Mayor of London's funding deal with the Government, necessitated by the financial crisis Transport for London has faced since the pandemic.

This February, TfL announced that a tram link between Colliers Wood and Sutton is the preferred option.

The hopeful announcement followed a three-month consultation process.

And after 20-years of the development being on the cards, it was announced on Friday (July 24) that TfL were pausing plans on the scheme.

Cllr Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Housing, Economy & Business Committee said: “Successive Tory and Labour mayors have made promises but failed to deliver the tram extension in Sutton.

"The tram would have unlocked access to jobs, housing and attracted new business and investment into the borough.

Your Local Guardian:

"Sutton has received less investment than any other borough in London despite having the worst public transport links.

"Lib-Dem run Sutton council is developing ambitious major projects like the London Cancer Hub that is set to generate billions for the UK economy which the tram would have accelerated.

"Both the Tories and Labour should hang their heads in shame at this chronic underinvestment.”

Your Local Guardian:

Councillor Manuel Abellan, Chair of the Environment & Neighbourhood Committee said:

The Mayor of London has once again ignored our borough, and this ditching of the Sutton tram extension is a kick in the teeth for our residents.

"Liberal Democrats believe that the Government needs to step in.

"It’s time that the PM honours the commitment he made when London Mayor and funds the Sutton tram extension directly.

"So that we can deliver on the promises made to our residents over many years on the tram, as well as contributing to London’s economic recovery and accelerating the fight to beat cancer.

"With the loss of income from fares following the steep decline in use of public transport, we believe that London needs direct funding from the government as well as the ability to retain more of the taxes that our city generates, in order to invest in transport infrastructure across the city."