Transport roadshow a PR stunt — Hulme

A PARISH councillor for Delph has slammed a roadshow promoting the case for the Manchester congestion charge.

Councillor Ken Hulme said the exhibition, which was staged at Saddleworth Museum, Uppermill, on Wednesday was nothing but a professional PR stunt.

He said: “I had previously suggested that Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) was mounting a slick PR exercise in support of the congestion charge and Transport Innovation Fund bid.

“I now apologise to GMPTE as this wasn’t very slick at all. As feared there is nothing for Saddleworth in this bid.

“Greenfield station is being improved anyway as part of the ongoing improvements to the rail network and Transport Minister Ruth Kelly announced that the Government was ordering 1,300 carriages months ago.

“So no station at Diggle, no improvements in signalling to allow a greater frequency of trains on the line, no extra buses, no new bus routes.

“All the PR staff could point to was extra car parking at Stalybridge and Shaw.

“Can they really expect people in Saddleworth to vote yes to the congestion charge and get nothing back in return? I don’t think so.”

The event was organised by Saddleworth Parish Council after a request from Councillor Richard Knowles, a member of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority.

He said: “The whole idea of the roadshow was so that people could ask questions. Councillor Hulme’s remarks are completely untrue as the proposals on display showed plans to improve public transport in the area, including an increase in the number of train seats in Greenfield, and to improve the bus service in Saddleworth.

“Buses on the 180 and 184 routes, which run from Uppermill to Oldham, will increase from six to eight an hour.

“These plans were explicitly shown at the exhibition. Why Councillor Hulme never saw them I don’t know. But around 90 people attended and asked the sort of questions I was expecting them to. They had all the facts before them and can make their minds up for themselves.”