MP welcomes Metrolink announcement

9.42.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jun 2010

Manchester Withington MP John Leech has welcomed the government announcement today confirming the Metrolink extension to Didsbury and Ashton under Lynne.

The two lines were under review after the Treasury announced it would look at a list of projects that Labour had previously promised in a pre-election spending spree. However the Department of Transport has now confirmed the new route through East Didsbury and Ashton-under-Lyne will receive its planned funding.

Having lobbied for extensions to the Metrolink network since his election in 2005, John said:

"I have been pushing the government for a positive decision on the future of the Metrolink extension and I am delighted they have finally confirmed the decision to give it the go-ahead."

He also said:

"The extension was one project that was never really under threat, as it ticked all the boxes in terms of creating jobs and economic value to the area."

"This is good news for south Manchester, and will be a big boost to Chorlton and Didsbury in particular. It will help to tackle congestion by massively improve people's choice in public transport, which will mean less cars on the roads and also will help to tackle air quality problems"

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