A LONDON Assembly member is backing News Shopper's campaign for a Crossrail station at Woolwich.

Greenwich Council and Berkeley Homes are still waiting for Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander to make a decision on whether the town will get a station.

In January, they submitted a detailed plan to the Government about how they will find the £162m needed for the station.

Geoff Pope, who is the assembly's transport committee chairman, led a debate on Crossrail in December.

The 62-year-old said the committee sent its proposal to put pressure on the Government to include Woolwich on the £16bn network.

Last October, Mr Alexander turned down Woolwich's bid for a station because the proposed £270m cost was unacceptable.

In November, the Government said it was prepared to reconsider the proposal if Greenwich Council could find investment itself.

Mr Pope said: "Woolwich has such an excellent case from a business, retail and residential point of view.

"There seems a better than ever chance to get the financial go-ahead in 12 months."

He added: "The regeneration effect would bring more money in Woolwich for people on low incomes.

"It would give the area a complete lift off."