EAGER listeners who heard Ken Livingstone pour cold water on the Chiswick Crossrail plans on a BBC Radio London show may be disappointed after those involved scorned his authority.

Chiswick residents are concerned with the plans for the Crossrail line, which will involve almost ten years of disruption and building work in the area, and many are campaigning for the route to be dropped.

A ray of hope was offered when the Mayor of London appeared on the show earlier this month and was responding to an email sent in by Susan,' who said she was writing in on behalf of Stamford Brook and Turnham Green.

Responding to her questions about tunnelling and compensation, Mr Livingstone said: "I don't think there ever will be a Crossrail going under your homes. I suspect you should stop worrying about this."

The Mayor referred to the signs of local opposition, which he felt ruled out the chances of the Crossrail coming to Chiswick, and said the line could be redirected to Brent or Harrow where "people are clamouring for it."

He added: "My view on this is that if people don't want a train line built, that's fine, we will build it where people do."

Stamford Brook campaigner, Katy Timmons, was initially pleased, but was wary about Mr Livingstone's clout: "I'm not sure how much credit we can give it."

Hopes were dampened further when a spokesman for the Mayor's office said that, while local residents would be consulted during the feasibility process, the office could not substantiate Mr Livinsgtone's remarks about Chiswick's exclusion.

"The decision rests with the Secretary of State," he added.

Crossrail was also unruffled. A spokesman said: "Mr Livingstone has the right to say what he thinks, but it is only his opinion. We are continuing to talk to local residents about the effects of Crossrail and will continue to do so until the Secretary of State directs otherwise."

Indeed, according to the Department for Transport, Mr Livingstone has virtually no authority at all over the decision making process. The Crossrail project has been set up and funded by the government and, although run by a separate board, it is effectively managed by the government at arm's length.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: "The Government fully supports the project." Alistair Dowling, the man with the real power to determine Crossrail's future, is still considering the viability of the scheme. And in a final rebuff of Mr Livinstone, the spokesman added: "It is too early to say if it will or will not go through Chiswick."