TAXPAYERS could be forced to partly fund the extension of London's cycle hire system to Hammersmith and Fulham, it has emerged.

Boris Bikes are due in the borough in Spring next year as part of an extension running through Wandsworth, Lambeth, Kensington and Chelsea and Tower Hamlets.

It was thought the expansion would be funded by the scheme's sponsors, Barclays bank, but it has been revealed Hammersmith and Fulham Council will have to contribute £2m to get it up and running. Wandsworth and Tower Hamlets will pay the same amount.

New docking stations are set to appear at as-yet-confirmed borough locations in Spring next year, while points at Westfield are being funded by the shopping centre.

When Mr Johnson announced the extension in Shepherd's Bush last July, he said it was made possible thanks to a £50m cash injection from Barclays, while in his manifesto for the project it was claimed the scheme would come at no cost to the taxpayers.

Critics say the project is proving more expensive to run and less popular than claimed, citing a recent poll which claimed only eight per cent of Londoners have tried it.

MayorWatch's Martin Hoscik said: "The Mayor hugs the scheme tight, squeezing every last drop of personal credit he can from it while Transport for London's publicity machine endlessly talks up Barclays and a sponsorship deal we mere Londoners aren't allowed to know the details of."

TfL refused to say why exact financial details of the extension weren't made public when it was announced last year, but said in a statement: "Since its launch in July 2010 Barclays Cycle Hire has been an enormous success, with more than 10m customer journeys made and extensions planned for both east and west of the original central London scheme area.

"Boroughs where the scheme is extending have seen the success and benefits of the original scheme, and are keen to contribute towards this proven and affordable way to get around the capital.

"Boroughs where the scheme is proposed to extend will be asked to contribute towards the expansion costs, TfL has currently opened negotiations with the appropriate boroughs."

A council spokesman said demand for the scheme justified the cost and that it was likely much of the money would come from developers and officer time.

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