A Swift answer to Metrolink needed

Date published: 21/12/2005

Milnrow and Newhey Lib Dem Councillor - Keith Swift has accused the Government's Transport Boss Alastair Darling of "playing scrooge for the second year running", Keith was speaking at a meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities. (AGMA).

Cllr. Swift said to the meeting, "This time last year there was a huge banner on the Black Box in the Town Centre; it stated 'what Rochdale wants for Christmas.'  Is Alastair Darling going to deliver this year, or  is he going to be scrooge yet again?  Stations like Milnrow and Newhey are suffering from chronic under-investment, vital things like disabled access and serious safety issues are being shelved until there is a decision on the Metrolink, we can't afford to wait much longer!"

Speaking at the meeting, chairman of the GMPTE, Cllr Roger Jones, said that he expected an announcement in the Spring.  Councillor Swift said, "I will believe it when I see it, Councillor Jones said that despite the Government recently dropping light rail schemes in Liverpool and elsewhere he fully expected Metrolink to happen.  This Government has a terrible record on light rail and the only commitment they seem to show are for schemes in the London area!"

The scheme to extend Metrolink to Rochdale, Milnrow, Newhey and Oldham was dramatically dropped in 2004, the Government citing escalating costs for their decision.  People in the Borough thought they'd received the news they were waiting for back in April when Tony Blair announced his support for the scheme on a General Election visit to Rochdale.  Unfortunately, despite the Government putting the original money back on the table we are still no further.

Councillor Keith Swift said, "2006 must be culmination of a two year campaign; 2006 must be the year that we finally deliver the Metrolink Extension to Rochdale, Milnrow, Newhey and Oldham.  Our campaign has the support of thousands of people, all three political parties on Rochdale Council and our local MP's.  I am appealing to everyone to keep the pressure on and we could see the dawn of a new transport system and the regeneration benefits that go with it."