METROLINK: LIB DEMS SCRUTINIZE WYTHENSHAWE SELL-OUT

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 15th Jul 2005

Manchester Liberal Democrats have "called in" Labour's plans to downgrade Metrolink trams in Wythenshawe. The Council wants to remove 4 stations in Wythenshawe from the Metrolink "Big Bang", which saw its progress dashed last year when the Government withdrew support. The stations being removed are at Roundthorn, Davenport Green, Newall Green and Wythenshawe Hospital.

The plans will be considered by the Finance and General Purpose Committee on the 21st of July. The Committee have the right to recommend changes or reverse the cut of the four stops agreed by the Labour-run Executive.

Opposition Leader Councillor Simon Ashley said today,

"Unilaterally cutting the Metrolink "Big Bang" without guarantees from government is poor negotiation and bad politics. The Prime Minister has promised to fund Metrolink, so why are we compromising and the Government not?"

Cllr Ashley added,

"Now is the time for Wythenshawe's 15 Labour Councillors to stand up and put Wythenshawe before the Labour Party. Let's see if they are up to it.