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New government Metrolink delay
4/ 4/2006
GOVERNMENT transport ministers will wait until after next month's local elections before making any decision on whether Rochdale will get its Metrolink extension.
Transport secretary Alistair Darling had been expected to announce last week that Greater Manchester Transport bosses could start spending on the lines to Rochdale, Oldham and Tameside.
Initially, the government said the scheme should be scrapped in July 2004 because costs had spiralled to almost £1 billion. Then, after protests, decided to put £520M back on the table.
Mr Darling has now decided he needs more time to look at the detailed proposals and will not make any announcement until next month.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "We're in constructive discussions about the Metrolink extensions. We are working closely together with people in Greater Manchester to resolve the outstanding issues in relation to the package that would be part-funded by the government."
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is chairman of a new all-party group in parliament to promote Metrolink and other light rail systems.
He said: "I was disappointed there was no announcment last week and I don't know whether this delay is good news or bad news.
"I've always believed that the Rochdale scheme will go ahead as the government is committed to subsidising the line by £5M for the next 25 years. This is on top of maintenance costs.
"I would be worried that any scheme finally approved would stop at Rochdale Train Station and wouldn't come into Rochdale town centre because that is the most expensive part.
"This part of the scheme is vital to the regeneration of Rochdale."
Phil Woolas, MP for Milnrow, Newhey, Shaw and Crompton, said: "There is a lot of speculation about dates for when announcements will be made. But I've always been confident that we will get the Metrolink.
"There's no reason to expect the link won't be extended into the town centre. Kingsway Business Park, when it is finished, will need this extension to get people to work."
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29/04/2006 at 11:41
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11/06/2006 at 10:22