Metrolink cost increases by £5.2m

The cost of bringing the Metrolink to Rochdale town centre has shot up by £5.2million with Rochdale Borough Council footing the bill for £2.5million.

Predicted costs of bringing trams to the town have risen by £5.2million to £38.2million.

The council has agreed to fund some on the increase, with Greater Manchester Passenger Transport paying the rest.

Richard Greenwood of STORM (Support the Oldham, Rochdale & Manchester Rail Lines group) described his shock at the hike in price, he said: “I am always surprised at the ridiculously high figures that come out.

“I don’t even know where they got the figures from for the original contract and then the figures from that have increased again.

“To carry out this work costs more than it would in any other country in the world, there are so many things which have to be done which are unnecessary.

“These costs are unbelievable and it isn’t just the cost it is the time it is taking too – compared with any other country it shouldn’t take this length of time, there is so much messing around with local government and central government and producing reports for this and that.

“They want everybody’s views –except the passengers.”

Mr Greenwood concluded: “I always expected there would be problems. With things like this you always expect it to be more than they first say.”

Deputy Leader of the Council Ashley Dearnley said: “The Metrolink is integral in the regeneration of Rochdale Town Centre and it is very important that it is supported – even if it is at an extra cost.

“Without it the regeneration for Rochdale would prove very difficult.”