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Fight for Metrolink will go on

Andy Cronshaw
22/ 7/2004

DESPITE bitter disappointment the fight goes on to save south Manchester's crucial Metrolink connection.

The 'Big Bang' proposals for Manchester's tram scheme were rejected by transport minister Alistair Darling this week because he says the costs have soared higher than the Government expected.

But campaigners say there's still £3 million of what the Government has pledged to make a start on south Manchester's Chorlton and Airport link. The line would provide an integrated solution linking road, trains, light rail and air.

And the expanding population of commuters in south Manchester, which has the busiest bus route in Europe, would have had a much needed alternative to get to work.

A Chorlton airport line would have also paved the way for a Didsbury spur. Now under-fire MP Keith Bradley, who has been ridiculed for expressing his confidence that the scheme would get approval, says he'll continue to fight for south Manchester's link.

In the commons Mr Bradley told Alistair Darling there would be huge disappointment over the decision and later told the Reporter said: "I am determined to do everything in my power to put a new package together based on the new procurement arrangements that have been recommended by the National Audit Office, the new franchise agreements locally, and the allocation of capital monies for transport to our area."

"I will also be seeking urgent talks with the consortia who have been bidding to construct the extensions to see what further help I can give to put the scheme for South Manchester back on a sound financial footing."