Mixed views on benefits of new link

Wendy Way, chairman of Brentwood Bus and Rail Users' Association, said: "Those working at the intermediate stops before Liverpool Street will find it helpful and this will go to Whitechapel so it will save people having to change for that stop."

The rail users' group were hoping to see fast trains used on the route rather than having all trains stopping everywhere along the route, speeding up journeys into the city.

David Kendall, secretary of the group, said: "We have still got some concerns about the overall project.

"Anyone wanting to get anywhere fast will still get the fast train to London Liverpool Street and pick up Crossrail services from there."

Commuter Max Ward, of Hutton, said: "If it brings in more trains then I am certainly in favour of it.

"I would prefer it if it didn't stop at every station on the way to London, I want to get in as quickly as possible."

Patrick Fitch, who works in Hutton Road, travels from Greenwich everyday. He said: "It is going to do absolutely nothing for the local people unless they want to go to Heathrow.

"It will help them get to places like Tottenham Court Road but there is a good enough service anyway.

"It only takes 20 minutes to get to Liverpool Street so this won't be that much of a benefit."