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Metrolink shocker KOs station hopes

30/ 7/2004

MILNROW and Newhey people feel disgusted and let down over the decision not to extend the trams system which would have resulted in major refurbishment for both stations.

Councillor Keith Swift has described the announcement as 'absolutely appalling and disgusting.'

He said: "The people of Milnrow and Newhey will continue to suffer from inadequate facilities. Newhey station regularly has floods and the shelters are inadequate for the number of people who use the station."

"The belief was that Newhey was going to have a brand new station and Milnrow's station was going to be refurbished. All that has now gone out of the window and they won't be making any investment in the stations."

"The general opinion of local people is that they are disgusted with the decision. The new station at Newhey would have brought better access to the disabled, better lighting and CCTV cameras to make it more secure. There would have been extra shelters and planting of bushes and flower beds. Instead we are being left with stations which have gone past their sell-by dates."

"Hundreds of commuters use the two stations every day, yet both stations have become dilapidated. The trams, as well as taking commuters out, would have brought people in, including tourists and shoppers. The trams would have made the area more appealing to developers to invest in local businesses."

"When you arrive at a station that is the first impression you get of a place. The new-look stations would have made Milnrow and Newhey more attractive to tourists and shoppers."