Local MP welcomes Metrolink extension

11.46.43am GMT Tue 9th Feb 2010

John Leech MP Inspecting Work on Chorlton's New Trams

Withington MP John Leech hailed the beginning of construction of the Metrolink extension to south Manchester as a welcome milestone.

Having added his voice lobbying the Government to fund extensions to the Metrolink network since his election in 2005, John said:

"I am so pleased that extension of the Metrolink is finally under way. It will help tackle congestion across the area and bring new economic opportunities."

While visiting a site where construction has begun in Chorlton, he restated his strong support for the extension of the Metrolink to south Manchester, adding:

"This will be a big boost to Chorlton and Didsbury in particular as it will massively improve people's choice in public transport, reduce traffic and help tackle air quality problems."

Further extensions to Metrolink are currently in the planning stages.

<ENDS>

Notes to editors:

John Leech visited a site for the Metrolink extension in Chorlton, on 28th January 2010.

Photo (from left): Steve Smith, Communications and Stakeholder Manager, MPT; John Leech MP; Cllr Keith Whitmore, GMPTE.