Rowen launches Metrolink challenge

Date published: 23/12/2008

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen will use his position as Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Light Rail to lobby the Government for the £17,000,000 needed to connect the Metrolink from Rochdale Railway Station to the Town Centre. The ‘crucial spur’ was one of the projects that was lost with the announcement of last week’s resounding ‘No’ vote. Paul Rowen has now written to the Transport Minister Geoff Hoon, calling on him to make good the Government’s promise.

Mr Rowen said: “I am disappointed that this crucial Metrolink extension has been shelved. I am keen to revive talks as Rochdale will not have an integrated transport system without it.

"Let’s be clear that the Conservative and now the Labour Government promised that Metrolink would go into the heart of Rochdale.

"The announcement of the ‘smaller bang’ was welcome but we must now press the Government on this issue that is crucial to the regeneration of Drake Street and our Town Centre.

"Gordon Brown has not confirmed what will happen to the £1.5 Billion that was promised to Greater Manchester and I will be making the case for part of it to be used in Rochdale before it gets swallowed up on transport in London.

“In January, I will be setting up a meeting of the GMPTA, the Rochdale and North West Development Agencies and the Council to discuss a strategy. In the meantime, our Council needs to work in partnership with the GMPTA to get our shuttle buses on track in our Town Centre.”

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali said: “The clear message from the referendum is that people want to see transport improvements but didn’t want to pay any more taxes and that’s fair enough.

"I will be pushing for free shuttle buses to become a reality and talks are at an advanced stage.

"The recent snow illustrated the need to connect Rochdale to our Town Centre more effectively and I am confident of delivering this.

"Evidence shows that integrated transport systems improve trade in our Town Centres and we need to support our traders.

"I welcome Paul Rowen’s campaign, after all it is only what the Government promised in the first place!”