MANCHESTER METROLINK

Early day motion 389, tabled 22 June 2005 by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 10 members.

That this House regrets the epic delay to the extension of the Manchester Metrolink; recalls with concern the 1989 undertaking by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive that Metrolink will start running in Rochdale in 1992; recognises the impact this delay has had on the communities of Greater Manchester, in particular the residents of Oldham and Rochdale, Ashton-under-Lyme, Cheadle and Manchester, Withington; notes that the predicted costs for the extension have risen; urges the Secretary of State for Transport to consider the option of allowing the public sector to take on more of the risk associated with the extension as this could drive costs down; calls on the Secretary of State to give a twofold undertaking which entails releasing £110 million for the long-overdue refurbishment of the existing network as well as making funds available for the whole of the Phase III extension of Manchester Metrolink; and commends the people of Manchester for their patience thus far.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 8, DUP 2.