WHEN big organisations run public consultations they usually select staff experts with enough PR skills to dodge difficult questions.

The expert is commonly advised: “Offer a form on which people can write their comments. Makes ’em feel involved.”

Occasionally, however, the mask slips and a personal view pops out.

That’s just what happened when Denise Stower went to the mobile display outside the CLR James Library to find out more about Crossrail 2.

Liking the proposal, Stower, a Hackney resident, said to one of the people on the TfL–Network Rail stand: “A transport system that takes vehicles off the road is worth supporting.”

Crossrailer: “Not so good here, eh? Travelling by car is better, isn’t it?”

Stower: “No. There are two stations and many buses in Dalston. Hackney has good transport links all over.”

Crossrailer: “It’s cold on bus stops and at stations. My car’s warm.”

Stower: “Get a bike — cycling makes you warm. And fit. And public transport is better for the environment, too. I think Crossrail is going to reduce road congestion and improve air quality.”

Crossrailer: “Yes, that’s true. (Said with little conviction — the woman was clearly not  interested in my opinion.)

Weird, eh? A supposed Crossrail proponent who opposes public transport.

Hamish Scott 151115

* Backstory: Crossrail builds an island; What are they doing to the Lea?; Link the Dalston stations; Disabled? Stay away from the new DK

* All pictures by © DavidAltheer[at]gmail.com. All for sale for reproduction. Most photographs can be visually enlarged by pressing on them.

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