Fast track to the future

OFFICIALLY open: Oldham’s Mayor John Hudson with pupils from St Patrick’s and civic leaders cut the ribbon

CROWDS packed on to the new Oldham Mumps Metrolink platform for the official opening of the new town centre tramline yesterday.

Members of Oldham Council and representatives of Transport for Greater Manchester were ready with giant Metrolink scissors to cut the yellow ribbon as a tram pulled into the station.

Despite rain, wind and even hailstones, the official opening was celebrated with plenty of smiling faces and music by five local musicians.

The official opening follows years of disruption and traffic chaos as engineering work on the new line brought Oldham Town Centre almost to a standstill.

Mayor of Oldham Councillor John Hudson had the pleasure of welcoming the trams to Oldham and said: “It has been a long time coming but it is fantastic to see the trams now officially underway.

“People keep focusing on how it means people will be able to come into Oldham but it is not just about that.

“The Metrolink provides a modern, clean and comfortable form of transportation to take Oldhamers into work, see their relatives and come into the town.

“It is just what the people of this Metropolitan Borough deserve and I know it will make a difference.”