City Region Mayor Andy Burnham has reconfirmed Stockport will receive Metrolink services through the proposed tram/train network in Greater Manchester inside the decade, following questioning by Stockport Labour Leader, Cllr Elise Wilson.
During the Friday 28th June Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Meeting, Cllr Wilson asked Mayor Burnham to “confirm the timescales for connecting Stockport to the (Metrolink)…network”, as set out in the ‘Our Network’ launch on Monday 24th July and the 2040 Transport for Greater Manchester Delivery Plan.
Mayor Burnham confirmed as part of his response that bringing Metrolink services to Stockport was a commitment of the GMCA, and that “our aim is for Stockport to be within the Metrolink system within the next decade”. This means the GMCA will be seeking the necessary resources from Government to make this happen.
This commitment comes on the back of the Monday 24th launch of the ‘Our Network’ forward plans for GM transport, which includes ambitious plans for walking, cycling, bus reforms, tram and tram services with integrated ticketing across GM.
The plans include new Metrolink lines linking East Didsbury to Stockport Town Centre, along with tram train options linking to Hazel Grove, Cheadle, Romiley and Marple.
However, this is the first time Mayor Burnham has publically committed to the timescale of under 10 years for Stockport to receive Metrolink services.
Commenting, Cllr Elise Wilson said:
“This statement by Mayor Burnham shows we are securing significant commitments on Metrolink, which is great news for Stockport.
“Stockport has been left out of Metrolink for too long; this commitment is a significant step towards rectifying this which also shows the importance of working together with GM colleagues for the benefit of Stockport residents.
“Having the collective voice of the Combined Authority backing this means a stronger case to government to make this happen.
“Stockport Labour will continue working with GM colleagues toward bringing about the affordable, integrated and efficient public transport network residents deserve. Labour is best placed to progress these plans and we look forward to delivering this for residents.”
Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, Cllr David Meller added:
“Bringing Stockport into the Metrolink network will provide significant benefits for Stockport’s economy and for the people who live and work here.
“It will also improve access to the growing leisure, food and drink and cultural offer we have seen emerge in the town centre over the last three years, as well as improving connectivity for the range of new businesses locating here.
“The 2040 delivery plan includes further scope for the network reach areas such as Hazel Grove, Marple and Cheadle. This is an opportunity to ensure the extensive regeneration efforts in the Town Centre further benefit other parts of the borough as part of our commitment to our district centres.
“I look forward to working with GM colleagues on the TfGM Transport Committee and Mayor Burnham towards bringing Metrolink to Stockport as soon as possible.”
ENDS
NOTES
- The exchange took place during the June GMCA Meeting (Friday 28th June, 2019), available from 16 minutes 19 seconds here: https://youtu.be/Hijux8z_hMI