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'Light at end of tunnel' for Metrolink campaign

15/ 9/2004

TAMESIDE MPs say they are on track to save the Metrolink after a positive meeting with Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.

Almost 20 Greater Manchester MPs met with Mr Darling to discuss ways to save the £520m scheme which was cancelled due to spiralling costs.

And the minister agreed to look at ways of scaling down the price to save the three new tram lines to Oldham and Rochdale, South Manchester and Ashton.

David Heyes, MP for Ashton, said: "I thought it was a fairly successful meeting and we left Alistair Darling in no doubt about the anger and disappointment caused by his announcement in July.

"It's very clear from what he said that the door is not closed on Metrolink and although there is a way to go yet, he is quite hopeful that we can sort something out."

Mr Heyes said a series of meeting was now needed to try and find a resolution. Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has claimed it could shave a further £90m off the cost and talks were due to start today (Wednesday) when MPs from the region met with Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mr Heyes added: "I think this will be another opportunity to show the strength of feeling about the Metrolink and also to keep the pressure on. The public pressure has been so overwhelming and there is no doubt in my mind that that has really been effective in getting them to realise what a silly mistake they are making."

Stalybridge and Hyde MP James Purnell, who also attended the meeting, said: "It was definitely a constructive meeting. Alistair Darling said he was committed and he did want to see it go ahead so there is light at the end of the tunnel."

Both MPs urged Tamesiders to continue supporting the campaign by writing letters of complaint to Prime Minister Tony Blair and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

A delegation from the Get Our Metrolink Back On Track campaign will be handing over all pledges of support at Downing Street on 23 September.

Published 15 September 2004