A new group of campaigners have urged people to think about the benefits of the proposed King's Road station in Chelsea as part of the Crossrail 2 development.
The Chelsea 4 Crossrail 2 group, led by chairman and Chelsea resident Martin Flash, have said they want to "present all the residents with all the facts so they can make an informed decision" before the TfL consultation closes on Friday (January 8).
In an interview with getwestlondon, Mr Flash said: "There are not just two parties in this debate - the No campaign and the council. There is a silent group of those who think it will be beneficial.
"The fight against Crossrail 2 developments in Chelsea have been so vociferous and we need to let people make up their own mind."
Mr Flash added those supporting the station had not gone out to seek support, but had began the campaign to make people aware of the alternative so residents could make their views heard ahead of the consultation.
The fight to prevent a King's Road station has seen support from celebrities, including Mark Knopfler, Felicity Kendal, actors Trevor Eve and Cherie Lunghi and Oscar winning director Sir Alan Parker.
Rallies have also been attended by cooking sauce magnate Loyd Grossman, celebrity lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio and mother of Cressida Bonas Lady Mary Gaye Curzon.
Opposition from residents and entrepeneurs who fear their businesses will be built on remains firm.
Why should Chelsea residents opt FOR a King's Road station?
Since Transport for London revealed its plans for Crossrail 2, there has been opposition on the basis of noise, overcrowding in the area, cost and the effects on business rates - to name a few.
However, what could a new station on King's Road, rather than Imperial Wharf, offer to those in the area?
The Yes campaign have said the west of Chelsea is poorly served by rail transport and with Crossrail 2, thousands of residents could be within a 10 minute walk to a station. Currently, the two closest stations are South Kensington and Sloane Square, 1,100m from King's Road.
Groups such as the Chelsea society have said better transport links could result in a busier King's Road, with more chain stores opening as a result, but Crossrail 4 Chelsea have argued this has already begun to happen, regardless of proposals.
Mr Flash said: "Yes people are saying there will be more Gaps and French Connections, but there probably will be anyway.
"The Chelsea atmosphere residents want to preserve something that has already gone.
"There is no static Chelsea to preserve."
What does the Yes campaign say about disruption caused whilst it's being developed?
After hearing concerns over the level of noise and disruption to the area that could occur as a result of the development, the group sought advice from two bodies in engineering and law to explore the issues.
The Crossail 4 Chelsea campaigners have said the results showed disruption to be limited, although "short term disruption is inevitable".
"When the Sloane Square tube station was proposed, there were similar concerns" said Mr Flash.
"Think where we would be without it now."
Although there have been rumours of a King's Road closure as part of engineering works, no such confirmation has yet been made, another point raised by the supporters of the Yes campaign.
The consultation asking residents for their views closes on Friday.
TfL said: "Responses to this consultation will be considered to help shape proposals for the scheme as they develop.
"A consultation report will be published in spring 2016."
