An MP has backed new proposals to extend the Crossrail project through Harrow and Wealdstone Station.

Plans were announced by the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin as he addressed Crossrail workers at Farringdon station in London.

The proposals, which will provide faster commuter services for Hertfordshire, would mean the service would call at Harrow and Wealdstone station before moving on to Watford Junction, Berkhamsted and Tring.

Harrow East MP Bob Blackman said: “This route idea would ease the journeys of thousands of hard working commuters who live in Harrow and work in Central London, as well as helping to drive further economic growth in our area.

“I strongly agree that this is a very sensible measure to reinvigorate transport links into and through London and I look forward to working closely with the Transport Secretary, and with Transport for London, as the plans progress.”

As well as providing new connections, the link could potentially reduce journey times to Central London by up to 15 minutes - taking some of the pressure off the existing tube and overground networks.

The £15billion project is scheduled to be fully operational by 2019.