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U-turn over Metrolink

16/12/2004

OLDHAM has received a massive Christmas boost with the news Metrolink is back on track.

Trams could soon be seen on the borough's streets after the government announced a U-turn over July's decision to scrap the project and committed £520m to the "Big Bang" extension.

Some £170m has already been used in advanced works, such as land clearance in Mumps.

As part of the deal announced in the Houses of Parliament by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling Greater Manchester transport bosses will also be able to bid for additional money from the new £2 billion Transport Innovation Fund.

Mr Darling said it is now up to members of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority to come forward with proposals for how the funding is best used.

Phil Woolas MP spoke to the Advertiser minutes before Mr Darling was set to announce the news which will be welcomed across the town.

The Oldham East and Saddleworth representative, who has been at the forefront of the Advertiser's Metrolink campaign said he was confident Oldham's extension and the two other lines could now be achieved.

He said: "The message is Metrolink is back on track.

"This is good news for the town and we have got over another hurdle.

"The decision has come about because of all the campaigning - including from the Advertiser - which has been carried out."