Garden project a bridge too far for London mayor

The controversial Garden Bridge project proposed by Joanna Lumley and backed by Boris Johnson has been killed off by London’s mayor.

Sadiq Khan has refused to provide guarantees for the costly plans because it would leave taxpayers in the capital at risk of higher bills.

It follows a damning report earlier this month that recommended ditching the proposed Thames crossing.

Dame Margaret Hodge’s review found it was “difficult to justify further public investment” in the bridge, which was likely to end up costing more than £200 million.

Mr Johnson backed plans for the bridge in 2013 by announcing the transport authority would “help enable” the scheme, which had been put forward by Lumley.

Mr Khan said: “My view is that providing mayoral guarantees will expose the London taxpayer to too much additional financial risk.

“The funding gap is now at more than £70m and it appears unlikely that the trust will succeed in raising the private funds required for the project.”

Less than half the funds needed to finance the project have been pledged and planning permission expires in December. More than £37m of public money has already been spent on the project.