Paul Rowen MP, the Chairman of the all-party group in parliament to promote Metrolink and other light rail systems and Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson, has cautiously welcomed an imminent announcement in Parliament on the long awaited Metrolink Extension.
 
He said: "We have had many false dawns but it looks like finally we will have a decision on the future of Metrolink.  It has been a long time coming and it is a case of keeping our fingers crossed, we have had the same promises from various Government Transport Secretaries and off the Prime Minister but everyone involved in this prolonged battle agrees that a positive decision is close.
 
"This has been an all-party campaign and that looks likely to be the difference.  In places like Hampshire, Leeds and Liverpool trams schemes have been dropped, mainly because of political squabbling.  In Greater Manchester this has not been the case and the GMPTA Authority have helped keep the pressure on the Government.  It seems now that Rochdale has finally been listened to and it looks highly likely that money will made available from the Transport Innovation Fund to bridge the funding gap and we will finally see a clear commitment to the Metrolink and work starting in the not too distant future."
 
Councillor Peter Davison from the GMPTA said: "This seems good news, I am afraid that we may be disappointed again but all the signs are good.  I think that once a decision is made it will kick-start a real, positive change in Rochdale."

Date article online: 30/06/2006