THE Crossrail transport project to create a rail link between Heathrow and Ilford faces a major test as the Government examines its business case.

Crossrail area consultation manager James Ryan said that the much-delayed project which would cut journey times from Ilford to Paddington to 30 minutes would provide much-needed relief for the over-burdened Central Line if it cleared its latest hurdle.

Speaking at last week's meeting of Redbridge Council's area one committee, he said: "The soonest we could be out there with our spades would be 2007 with the first services in 2013."

Councillor Peter Goody said: "The only negative note is that everyone is frustrated by the delays there have been and it is slightly sad that we look forward to the first trains in 2013, one year after we hope to have staged the Olympics."