Metrolink lands in Shaw

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 17 December 2012


A RESOUNDING thumbs-up was the verdict of tram travellers as Metrolink arrived in Shaw yesterday.

The first tram to travel from Oldham through Derker to Shaw left Mumps at 6.50am and arrived nine minutes later.

Trams will run from Shaw to St Werburgh’s Road in Chorlton via Manchester Victoria, every 12 minutes. The Shaw to Manchester run takes just over half an hour.

Kathryn Hawkins and her 12-year-old daughter Lily were delighted to be able to catch the tram on its first day. The pair, who live close to the Beal Lane station, went to Manchester to meet friends.

Kathryn said: “It is fantastic news and we have been waiting for a long time for trams to come to Shaw. I have been using it from Chadderton so I am really pleased I can now catch it from Shaw.”

Andrew and Norma Parry were sceptical about Metrolink at first. We caught the tram from Hollinwood the other day and, much as I wanted to find fault, I just couldn’t,” said Andrew.

There are currently 100 parking spaces at Derker with a further 154 under construction. Parking facilities at Shaw and Crompton have been refurbished with 40 spaces, with plans for more.