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Bypass cash ‘was diverted to Metrolink’


30/ 8/2006

CASH set aside for the Longdendale bypass WAS diverted to the Metrolink expansion, claims council leader Roy Oldham.

And the council was not consulted before the decision was made.

Speaking at the Longdendale and Hattersley district assembly meeting, Councillor Oldham said: "There was a rise in what the Metrolink extension was going to cost and the government asked the North West Regional Assembly if they could they look as to where they might find £200m to put into it.

"So they looked at the 10 boroughs and the biggest chunk of money was the £120m for the bypass. We weren't even notified at the time. We found out by accident."

But he said he was positive it would go ahead in 2008/09, assuming money was made available from other transport schemes.

"Me and my chief executive are at the heart of this, so we'll be examining how to get the money. We must live with the politics of the thing in the end," he added.

Pro-bypass campaigner Mike Flynn called it 'a disgrace'.

He said: "That cash has been reallocated because of the delay introduced in the public inquiry date due to the objectors, the majority of whom don't live in the area.

"We're putting pressure on the assembly to reinstate the money as soon as the inquiry in May 2007 is over."

But an assembly spokesman said a decision was unlikely before 2009.

"The inquiry is likely to take up most of next year. Then the inspector has to go away, look at the evidence and then report to the secretary of state so the earliest funding is likely to be given is 2009/10."

Councillor Oldham said suggestions of a lorry ban or putting freight on the railway would be impractical and expensive.

"If you don't want the bypass, don't drive. We're going to move heaven and hell to get the money because we don't deserve to have this traffic," he added.

"If it takes out a few hedgehogs or snails, that's the way of the world."


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(3)


Most recent 2 of 3 user comments

   I don't understand people's determination to get the Metrolink to Tameside & Glossop's towns. The answer is staring us in the face! We've had railway access to these areas for years and years. Why can't we just re-open the stations that have been closed and improve the rail service? Think of the millions saved!! Then Councillor Oldham could build his by-pass and have tons of money left over.
Peter Harris, Droylsden
3/09/2006 at 15:03
   Roy Oldham's comments show his true feelings about our environment. His council are responsible for the traffic problems and now that the bypass is off the agenda they should be fixing the problems that they created! Lorry ban, cycle lanes, 20mph zones, improved public transport, walk to school incentives, improved pedestrian facilities, METROLINK to Glossop, re-open Woodhead tunnel are all initiatives that the council have refused to entertain. Its never too late to start so move over Roy!
Michael, Hadfield
31/08/2006 at 13:26
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