A petition has been launched to create new London Underground stations to help cope with the rising population north of London.

People angry about poor Govia Thameslink services are asking Transport for London (TfL) to create new Northern Line and Jubilee Line stations to Borehamwood.

Govia Thameslink took over heavily criticised First Capital Connect services through Radlett, Elstree & Borehamwood, Hendon and Mill Hill Broadway, but has itself come under fire for delays in recent months.

The petition was created by Andy Lewis, the chairman of the Elstree & Borehamwood Residents’ Association, which has announced its support for the campaign.

The 34-year-old accountant said: “This is all in response to the poor service we’ve had recently. Something has got to give.

“Using the trains at the moment is a nightmare and people are really struggling. The rail network as it stands is awful. We need to look at alternatives and this is something that could make a huge difference.

“We are becoming an overpopulated town and with all the new houses being built, we need adequate infrastructure to support them. The trains are crowded enough as it is.”

The petition is also being supported by Town Mayor Councillor Pat Strack - but the town council itself has not considered whether to support it or not.

In 1935, the London Underground had planned to create new stations at Elstree South and Bushey Heath, but these were shelved due to the Second World War.

Mr Lewis’s new suggestions include extending the Jubilee line from Stanmore to Elstree and extending the Northern Line from High Barnet or Mill Hill East to Borehamwood.

Another option is to remove the Thameslink line altogether and add it to the London Overground line, running occasional Thameslink services.

But others remain unconvinced.

Amy O-Sullivan-Lee, 23, a paralegal in central London, said: “It seems obvious to me that this is doomed to fail.

“In theory it’s a great idea but in practice it hasn’t been thought through properly. I doubt it’s something TfL would go for.

“It would be hugely expensive and who would fund it? Plus, logistically you need to think of all the hoops people would have to jump through to make it happen. It will be more trouble than it’s worth.”

Derek Mathias, a 52-year-old electrician, added: “I would hate this idea and do not support it.

“I love Borehamwood because it’s a little village that’s totally separate from London. Creating an underground station here would cause pure chaos.”

Transport for London (TfL) said it is not considering the petition Richard de Cani, TfL’s Director of Planning and Strategy, said: “A number of enhancements are being delivered as part of the Thameslink programme which will provide additional and improved rail services in the local area.”