Plans in place for Metrolink town tracks

MAYOR ANDY BURNHAM CONFIRMS SPURS TO STOCKPORT, HEYWOOD AND MIDDLETON ARE NOW IN THE PIPELINE

- ETHAN DAVIES

ANDY Burnham has confirmed plans are in place to bring Metrolink trams to Stockport and extend services to Middleton and Heywood.

The mayor, speaking outside the new Stockport Interchange as shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the town, confirmed that a previously-teased ‘appraisal’ has been completed. It was set to be published in early June but this has been delayed by the general election campaign, he also confirmed.

“That work is done and we will be publishing that as soon as we can after the election,” he told the M.E.N.

“Obviously, it relates to how we will bring Metrolink to this place behind me, and our ambitions to go north with potentially a tram-train option serving Atom Valley - Middleton, Heywood, Bury - and other schemes as well. We will bring that work forward very quickly.”

While both lines have been the subject of speculation, election pledges from the Conservatives, and on the wishlist of Mr Burnham and his contemporaries for years, Friday saw the most concrete affirmation that they will be built.