LOCAL MP WELCOMES NEW METROLINK FUNDING

1.15.00pm GMT Mon 8th Mar 2010

Withington MP John Leech welcomed today's announcement of a full funding grant for two further Manchester Metrolink extensions, to Ashton and East Didsbury.

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 further extension of the Metrolink have been given the go ahead. It will help tackle congestion across South Manchester and bring new economic opportunities."

This full approval for the extensions was announced by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan on a visit to Manchester this morning.

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

"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."

GMPTE will enter into design and construction contracts this year and both extensions are expected to be ready for passenger service by 2013.

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Notes to editors:

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

Photo (from left): Gordon Reilly, Communications and Stakeholder Manager, MPT; John Leech MP; Cllr Keith Whitmore, Chair of GMITA.