Following testimony from three witnesses Southwark Cathedral offered to withdraw the fourth witness, the Right Reverend Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark and to enter into conversations with Railtrack concerning the Cathedral's objections to the scheme, whilst reserving the right to return to the Inquiry if the negotiations prove to be unsatisfactory.

On Monday October 16th, Southwark Cathedral were represented at the Public Inquiry into the Thameslink2000 proposals by the Dean, the Very Reverend Colin Slee, Mr Peter Draper, chairman of the Fabric Advisory Committee, and Mr Richard Griffiths, Cathedral Architect.

The Dean cross-examined two of Railtrack's expert witnesses (Mr Taylor and Mr Buttress) concerning noise and vibration, and the architectural heritage. In response to a question from the Inspector, Railtrack then offered to re-instate an offer to erect acoustic barriers on the present viaduct to shield the Cathedral from train noise, dirt and wheel squeal.

In addition, Railtrack and the Cathedral agreed to negotiate an undertaking by Railtrack to reduce noise disturbance to services and events during the construction period. The Inspector indicated to Railtrack that he understood the Cathedral's submission that any undertaking must be enforceable.

In his evidence the Dean responded to a question by Railtrack's Counsel (Mr Ryan QC) that he was willing to have the dirt encrustation (now being cleaned) on the Cathedral analysed to establish its origin, this would be undertaken jointly with Railtrack. The Cathedral has always maintained that dirt from the railway coats and damages the Thirteenth Century building.

The Dean emphasised that the Cathedral supports the local community who are objecting to the enormous disruption the scheme poses to their lives and their homes.

Ends.

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