Better News on Metrolink?

Metrolink Tram

The Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, has caused much controversy over the past months regarding his decision to withdraw funding for phase three of the Metrolink. Since the shocking decision in July 2004, petitions have been signed, letters have been written and meetings have been held at any possible opportunity, to fight against the decision.

On 16 December 2004, Darling issued a new statement to confirm rumours that he has changed his mind, and is now willing to fund the new transport system between Rochdale and Oldham. The statement said, “In July this year I told Parliament that because of excessive cost increases I would have to withdraw funding for the Phase III extensions to Manchester Metrolink. Looking at the proposals, it has become increasingly clear there are real and persistent problems with the costs of the extensions. I have decided to commit over half a billion pounds, the sum previously agreed to fund Phase III, to Manchester's transport network.”

John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency, said, "This is great news for the borough and a welcome step forward.  Although there is still work to be done, Metrolink will greatly enhance the regeneration of Rochdale town centre and improve access to Kingsway Business Park".

This may be a step forward for Rochdale, although Councillor Paul Rowen points out that we should not sit back and relax just yet. “Whilst I welcome the fact that the £520 million is still available, I am disgusted that the Secretary of State has said that the whole process must be re-tendered. As well as meaning we will have to pay compensation to the two companies who made bids running into millions of pounds, we will face a delay of up to two years on a decision to replace the Oldham/Rochdale loop line. That delay could prove fatal – will the Labour Government stump up the cash to carry out essential repairs costing tens of millions of pounds or will the line have to close ahead of Metrolink?”

Heywood amp; Middleton MP, Jim Dobbin said “It’s been a long hard battle since Alistair Darling withdrew funding, but there was tremendous determination from local authorities. The Prime Minister has also been very much involved. We cannot underestimate the amount of work that Lorna Fitzsimons has put into the protest, she has played a huge part in getting the metro back on track.”

Rochdale MP, Lorna Fitzsimons has worked exceptionally hard to give Rochdale what it wants for Christmas, “This is excellent news for Rochdale, the £520 million that we thought may not even exist anymore is back on the table. Now the ball is in the transport authorities court. To say that we weren’t going to get the Metro until 2008, this is very good news indeed”.

Rochdale Mayor Angela Coric said, “This is better news than that which we had in July, but my primary concern is for Rochdale, and when we consider the extra expenses such as compensation that we might have to pay, the news may not be as good as we initially thought”.