A PETITION calling for the reopening of a Chingford to Stratford line has attracted more than 1,500 online backers.

The disused section of track, called the Hall Farm Curve in Walthamstow, connected Chingford station and Stratford station before it was closed in 1970.

Now, more than 1,500 people have signed an online petition in a week on change.org calling for it to reopen to ease the congestion on the nearby Victoria and Overground services.

What are your thoughts? E-mail joe.roberts@london.newsquest.co.uk

Commuters in Chingford have to get an Overground train to Hackney Downs station, walk to Hackney Central rail station before they can board another Overground service to Stratford.

A short distance south of the Hall Farm Curve is Lea Bridge railway station which after closing to passengers in 1985, reopened in May this year.

Commuter, Stephen James, started the petition, addressed to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in the hope of bring train infrastructure up to speed with the growing demand.

He said: “There is a very real issue in the Waltham Forest and east London area with overcrowded trains, particularly on the Victoria and Overground line to Liverpool Street.

“With the increasing number of new homes which have and are being built, the transport infrastructure needs updating for the safety of the general public.

“Reopening the line from Chingford station to Stratford would give commuters a much needed alternative and safe option to commute in and out of the city.

“I ask you all as a community to come together and support a viable alternative to the chaos which we have now.”

Commenting on the petition, mother-of-two, Nishi Bolakee, said: “Stratford isn't very far away and yet it takes me an hour and a half to get there.

“I can’t get on the buses with a twin buggy as they are always full.

“I'd love to be able to get to Stratford easily, we need this connection in Highams Park.

“Everywhere else in Waltham Forest seems to be getting unwelcome improvements, this is something we really need.”

Another supporter, Chris Neylan said: “As an Olympic borough, it would be great to be connected more easily to the Olympic Park.”

The Mayor of London and the council have been asked to comment.

Contact reporter, Joe Roberts, on 07824 530127 or joe.roberts@london.newsquest to say why you are in support of the idea.

To view or sign the petition, head here.