A report recently released into the impact of the Docklands Light Railway London City Extension suggests that the DLR is a key factor in making life better for North Woolwich residents. Almost 90% of locals believe that the DLR has improved their access to jobs, shopping and central London and has attracted new people to move into the area.
The report was compiled by Social Research Associates Ltd and is the second to look at the impact of the DLR in North Woolwich since the opening of the extension in December 2005. The first report was released in 2006 and showed that locals had little confidence in their community and low prospects of getting better jobs and education. But just two years later public perception has improved with 74% of those responding feeling the DLR had improved things for them personally. In addition more people thought the area generally will improve or was improving – just 38% in 2006 but in 2008 this has risen to 53%.
Jonathan Fox, Director of the DLR, said: “I'm enormously pleased with these comments which reflect exactly what the DLR is all about. We promised local people that the DLR would deliver benefits directly to them and they are now seeing those improvements in action. We expect the effects of regeneration to become even more pronounced when the Woolwich Arsenal extension is completed next year. However, we know we can always do more. Our current £300m three-car upgrade programme across the network will deliver a more reliable service and greater capacity to ensure DLR remains a key factor in the regeneration of North Woolwich and other communities on the network."
Source: Docklands Light Railway