Browse Sections

• Education
• Roadworks
• Shipman
• Special reports

Our economy is at stake

Adam Derbyshire
28/ 7/2004

TAMESIDE Council's economic chief, Councillor Kieran Quinn, has labelled Alastair Darling's decision an "utter disgrace".

Councillor Quinn has worked tirelessly in a bid to attract businesses to the borough and has recently watched a number of ambitious plans come to fruition.

More than £100 million will soon be ploughed into a new canalside quarter in Droylsden. Rising from the rubble will be 300 waterside apartments, a 60-bed hotel, restaurant, public square, and a modern marina with room for 30 moorings.

Coupled with that is the prospect of 2,000 new jobs on the way to Ashton with the £14 million regeneration of dilapidated Henry Square.

And with the track set to run across fast-developing Ashton Moss, the new Northern Bypass has already been widened in readiness for it. It was hoped the integral tram system would offer a tasty incentive to potential investors.

The fear now is that the axing of the Metrolink could have far-reaching consequences.

"The government needs to wake up and realise that the scheme is vital to this area. Stop trying to widen the north/south divide," Councillor Quinn said.

"This is totally the wrong decision. I think it's a disgrace that they have set aside funding for London's Crossrail initiative. It won't even be ready in time for the 2012 Olympic Games, which incidentally has not even been given to the capital yet. I am in disbelief and feel we have been extremely let down over this."

Councillor Quinn believes a shift in power is required to give local areas a fair crack of the whip.

He added: "This is a perfect example why we need a north west regional assembly. The Metro will bring thousands of jobs to the borough, but we have to go down to London for the decision. And guess what the outcome is?

"Talks are ongoing, so there is a glimmer of hope. I feel secure that if there is a chance of a line being built then Tameside's will be first in the queue."