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‘Trams will come to town’

THE chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) has dismissed a claim by Stockport’s Council leader that Metrolink would ‘never’ come to the town.

The response from, Lord Peter Smith, came following the claim made in last week’s Stockport Express by Councillor Dave Goddard.

Coun Goddard said: "The Metrolink is never going to come to Stockport and we need to do something." The leader then went on to suggest utilising rail lines which could ‘become like a tram system’.

Lord Smith responded: "I’d like to make the point that there is already commitment to bringing Metrolink to Stockport as part of future investments in public transport. The recently announced Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) package includes a new interchange for Stockport town centre in preparation for the arrival of Metrolink. The interchange will link improved bus and train services, making changes between services easier and waiting more comfortable. The ticketing system will also be made simpler. These important changes bring the prospect of trams running through Stockport significantly closer."

According to Lord Smith the overall TIF package would see Stockport ‘well served’ by improved bus services, more park and ride facilities, longer trains, refurbished stations and a fleet of yellow school buses.

He added: "There is a strong economic argument for taking trams into Stockport as the final piece of the jigsaw. Local business would benefit from new found connectivity and employment opportunities would open up across the region for local people. We are reviewing and developing our aim of taking Metrolink to Stockport at the same time as implementing the TIF plans for 2013. If we cannot make the TIF package a reality then it is not only Metrolink, but significant other benefits for Stockport that we stand to lose."

Here is a chance to ask the question you want answered about the impact of a congestion charge:

We're  giving you the chance to have your say and put YOUR questions about the proposed congestion charge to Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council and clerk to Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority.

Email your questions to stockportexpress@menwn.co.uk  or post them to us at Congestion charge questions, Stockport Express editorial, Wood Street, Stockport, SK3 0AB.

* All congestion charge latest in Stockport Express .

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