A timeline of Crossrail developments.

July 2003: Crossrail's business case to the Government includes a branch through the Royal Docks.

July 2004: Woolwich is omitted from consultation route. It is only town centre on the route without a station.

September 2004: Greenwich Council launches a campaign for Crossrail station. More than 3,000 residents give their support.

2005: Campaign group formed consisting of council, MPs, business leaders and others.

Regeneration benefits are calculated at 2,300 extra jobs and 4,350 new homes.

January 2006: Parliamentary select committee examines proposals to include Woolwich in route.

March 2006: Local businesses lend support to Crossrail station for Woolwich.

May 2006: Parliamentary select committee hears case for Woolwich station.

July 2006: Select committee publishes its interim report which recommends Government create a station at Woolwich. The committee say the station provides "exceptional value for money".

October 2006: Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander refuses select committee's recommendation despite accepting there is a "strong case" and cost of station has fallen from £350m to £186m.

October 19, 2006: Select committee members say they believe "more than ever" there must be a Crossrail station in Woolwich. Committee writes a report to Parliament outlining its displeasure.

October 31, 2006: Transport Secretary agrees to reconsider the case for Woolwich if the costs can be reduced further.

November 2006: Greenwich Council embarks on further research to investigate all means by which the costs of the station can be reduced.

December 2006: News Shopper joins campaign.