Businesses react as test trams glide along Union Street

After a week of night-time testing, trams have been running along Union Street in daylight for the first time this week.

The new line, which includes four stops between Westwood and Oldham Mumps, has received mixed reactions from businesses on Union Street.

Buck and Union pub landlord Alan Hinchliffe was excited to see the trams - and is looking forward to having them pass his pub.

“We can’t wait,” he said. “The mess outside has been awful but you’ve got to have that to get the best. You can’t even hear it go past, it’s not noisy at all.”

Hassan Mahmood, manager of Gold Star takeaway, seemed more positive as roadworks neared completion.

“When they were digging up the road it affected business, but now it’s okay,” he said. “It’s been all right, it doesn’t make any noise.

Nigel Charlesworth, owner of Mann’s Sleep Shop, said: “You can hear it go past but it’s not disruptive.”

Phil Bowden, manager of Q Print, had more concerns about the welfare of pedestrians.

He said: “I wouldn’t have said it was too noisy or disruptive. The only thing that concerns me is safety.

Cars come straight up here, there are no signs. If you walk out of this shop, you walk out on to the lines.”