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Trams axe will hit economy

30/ 9/2004

MORE pressure has been put on Tony Blair by Rochdale Council leader, Councillor Paul Rowen who told him the people of Rochdale were appalled at the decision to withdraw Metrolink funding.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Councillor Rowen urged him to work with his ministers to look at alternative means of taking the development forward.

This coincided with last Thursday's lobby of Downing Street by representatives of the Observer and its sister papers and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Councillor Rowen wrote: "There is no doubt in my mind that whatever the reasons given, this decision is a major blow for regeneration and economic development in Greater Mancheste, and Rochdale in particular.

"Plans for Metrolink were made as long ago as 1980 and over the last few years both the PTA and the PTE and Rochdale Council have built Metrolink into an integrated regeneration and economic plan for Rochdale."

Councillor Rowen said the plans included Kingsway, the largest site in the north west for industrial development and getting people on and off the site via Metrolink was a major part of the borough's transport policy.

He said the other main project, the regeneration of the town centre, including a new bus station with Metrolink at its heart, showed public confidence and encouraged other private sector investment.

Published 29 September 2004