Rail campaigners have accused politicians of passing the buck over the electrification of a key train route through Waltham Forest after the proposals were again ignored.

Protesters have long demanded the upgrade of the Barking to Gospel Oak line, which includes stops in Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone, arguing it would allow for bigger capacity trains on the "overcrowded" line.

They were given hope ahead of a government announcement this month of a new £9billion rail investment programme for the years 2014 to 2019, but were horrified when the scheme was again missed out amid government claims that the issue was not their responsibility.

Campaigners say Transport for London (TfL) and London mayor Boris Johnson have long been supportive of the proposals but maintained that it was the government and Network Rail's responsibility.

So they were stunned when economics minister Justine Greening told Parliament last week that only Transport for London (TfL) could now fund such a scheme.

Labour Islington MP Jeremy Corbyn asked in a debate why the proposals had been ignored, saying that replacing the line's diesel-powered trains would be more environmentally-friendly, make transportation of freight easier and would improve journeys.

Ms Greening replied: “Ultimately it is for TfL to fund it if it wants to do so, but I am sure that it will take on board the points that the honourable gentleman has made and, if the business case stacks up, might consider it."

Richard Pout, secretary of the Barking to Gospel Oak User Line Group (BGOULG) said: "We are now in the bizarre situation where a Conservative secretary of state cannot agree with a recently re-elected Conservative Mayor how to fund a small infill electrification scheme, which the whole rail industry views as essential.

“Thousands of tons of freight are already being carried by the line five days a week and this will only grow as the new Thames Gateway Port at Thames Haven opens in one year’s time and more Channel Tunnel freight uses HS1 to Barking.”

It comes just weeks after residents in Walthamstow called for an investigation and greater investment on the line, following concern that an apparent increase in freight trains may be causing structural damage to their homes.

Last May the government previously rejected electrification on the grounds that other upgrades were more of a priority amid budget constraints.

Geoff Hobbs, Head of Planning for London Rail Development at TfL, said: “The Mayor has consistently pushed for electrification of the Gospel Oak to Barking line, which would provide many benefits both for the freight trade and to air quality in London.

"‪ ‪It has not been included in this round of Government funding so the Mayor is writing to the Secretary of State to raise the issue again.

"In the meantime, TfL is in active discussions with Network Rail with a view to finding a way forward.”

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