Metrolink Protest Rally

Date published: 11/09/2004

Since Alistair Darling’s decision not to approve phase three of the Metrolink extension there has been all party, business and community support for the campaign to convince the Government that it should reconsider scrapping the extensions to Oldham, Rochdale, Ashton and Manchester Airport.

An Early Day Motion has already been tabled, and at the time of writing had been signed by twelve parliamentary members. Letters have also been sent to the Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Transport, Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Deputy Prime Minister. Plans are afoot to present a parliamentary petition on the floor of the House of Commons to highlight the strong feelings about the issue in the local community.

Thousands of people have signed petitions and written to MPs in support of a campaign across Greater Manchester.

The latest effort in the campaign saw a protest rally held at the Butts in Rochdale Town Centre on Friday (10 September). The hundreds of Rochdale who folk turned out to support the campaign, despite the appalling weather, heard speeches from local MPs Lorna Fitzsimons and Jim Dobbin.

After the speeches I asked both MPs how confident they were that the minister could be persuaded to change his mind, both were confident.

Lorna Fitzsimons said: "We are going to meet the Prime Minister and we are definitely online for finding a solution, but obviously it is all about affordability. Hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayer’s money is a lot of money and we have to drive the cost down. What we expect from ministers is that they give our proposals a hearing."

Jim Dobbin said: "I am feeling confident about this. Having visited the transport authority and Alistair Darling’s department to review the situation, we’re now meeting the Prime Minister on Wednesday. Eighteen members of Parliament from Greater Manchester spoke to Alistair Darling and Alistair did listen to what was being said, although clearly there is still a problem that has to be resolved. He made it quite clear that the door wasn’t closed at all, and that he would do his best to resolve this. I’m fairly confident that because of the huge amount of support and backing, that we stand a great chance of resolving this."

Local people still have a part to play and Rochdale Mayor, Angela Coric, urged people to continue to sign the petitions and write in and voice their opinions as strongly as possible. She said: “We need the Metrolink, the whole re-generation of the town is based on this."

John Groves, Centre Manager at the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre said in his speech that "many local companies had known about the link for some years and had themselves made financial commitments for when the link arrived. This investment can surely not be wasted as the local traders in the town have worked so hard getting their plans together."

Bamford councillor Ian Duckworth, who attended the rally, was confident the campaign would be a success, although somewhat cynical about the reasons behind the original shock announcement. He said: "I think in about six weeks time someone will be claiming credit for the successful campaign, someone will be stood there with a champagne bottle. With the general election coming up it is a hot potato and of course some Labour MP's are in marginal seats!

Despite his cynicism, Mr Duckworth still welcomed the unified effort to bring the Metrolink to town.

If you would like to add your name to the parliamentary petition, copies are available from Lorna Fitzsimons MP. Office: 81 Durham Street, Rochdale OL11 1LR, phone: 01706 644911, or email: fitzsimonsl@parliament.uk

Petitions should be returned by Monday 13 September.