Monday, 29 October 2007

Demolition makes way for Metrolink lines

Several buildings in Clayton and Ancoats are being demolished to make way for the new Metrolink line to Droylsden in Tameside. The disused buildings, described by transport chiefs as "eyesores", will be knocked down over the next few months as plans to expand Manchester's light rail service continue.Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) is investing almost £540 million on new Metrolink lines to Tameside, Chorlton, Oldham and Rochdale, thereby doubling the size of the network.Councillor Roger Jones, chair of the GMPTA, said: "Many of these buildings attract vandals and are an eyesore for local residents. I'm pleased that work can now start on demolishing them.

3 comments:

Tom Hagen said...

Yes work is under way already and according to one official I shall not name has confirmed to me that equipment for congestion charging is being brought forward and they are hoping to install some of this by the end of this year. This is all very odd when no money has been promised as of yet.

I think it is very likely Manchester will get the £3bn, but if they don't they will squeal that they have already spent £10m on the bidding process and have begun the foundations of the future transport scheme. They did this with the super casinos bid.

All from a Labour government that promised us a metrolink and yellow school buses.

Anonymous said...

Ah the Metrolink, what's the idea there again? Bringing trade to Ashton? People with transport will continue to drive to where there is a better selection (and they arent charged for parking and conjestion), people without transport (and less money) will continue to spend in the shops they always did. I can't remember the last time I NEEDED (never mind wanted) to go to Ashton Centre

I've lived in Tameside all my life and am able to get around already without touching the centres and I feel a congestion charge will encourage more traffic to seek out those routes. With sat navs it won't be difficult; you can already set them to 'avoid C zones'.

If they really want to avoid conjestion they would widen pedestrianised areas and move carparks further out ('ashton old town' would have been better as a big car park instead of the swish money pit offices). But that wouldn't generate income would it!

...maybe they could introduce a loitering charge instead, with reductions if you dress smartly, aren't pregnant and don't wear hoop earings or hoodies!

Tameside Eye said...

Now I would vote for that sleeper!