The Croxley Rail Link project has been signed off by the Government.

Watford MP Richard Harrington said he was at a Treasury meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer this morning in which the £200m scheme was formally given the green light.

The Metropolitan Line will now be extended from Croxley to Watford Junction, via Watford High Street and two new stations.

Mr Harrington told the Observer: “Transport for London is taking over the management of the project, which is what I negotiated.

“For me, it’s a brilliant scheme for the future of Watford and I am now lobbying for the Watford Metropolitan station to remain open for those people that still wish to use it – but that is down the line.”

An announcement from the Government is expected later today.

Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “The link has been a priority throughout my time as mayor, and I am pleased that the main construction will start this autumn, with the first trains due in 2018.

"I've always been clear that the Croxley Rail Link is a transformational project for the town, and absolutely critical to unlocking Watford’s future economic potential.

"Watford is booming, and my Watford Borough Council colleagues and I are proud of our successes in bringing major investment to our area."

More to come later. Click here for more on the Croxley Rail Link.