The Secretary of State for Transport gives notice under section 14(1)(b), of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (“the Act”) that he has determined under section 13(1) of the Act to make with modifications the Network Rail (Thameslink)(Land Acquisition) Order (“the Order”).

The Order was applied for by Network Rail Infrastructure Limited of Kings Place, 90 York Way London N1 9AG. It will authorise Network Rail to acquire compulsorily land and rights in land at the Hop Exchange, at Southwark Street and at 13 Park Street in the London Borough of Southwark for the purposes of constructing and maintaining certain railways and viaducts in that area which were authorised by the Network Rail (Thameslink 2000) Order 2006. It would also disapply provisions of earlier undertakings given, and an agreement made, by Railtrack PLC relating to that land. Copies of the Order, once made, may be obtained from the Stationery Office or through booksellers.

The Secretary of State has, pursuant to section 14(1)(a) of the Act, given notice of his determination by way of a decision letter dated 27 November 2008, copies of which may be obtained from the TWA Orders Unit, Department for Transport, Zone 9/9, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DT. That letter gives the reasons for the determination and the considerations upon which it is based; information about the public participation process; and information regarding the right to challenge the validity of the determination and the procedures for doing so.

Ellis Harvey, Head of the TWA Orders Unit, Department for Transport, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DT