Trams ‘every six minutes’ promise

Shaw and Crompton Parish Council reports.

Trams will run from Shaw to Manchester every six minutes once the Metrolink is fully in place in 2012.

That was the promise of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) stakeholder manager Steve Burns, who outlined proposals last night.

He said trams will run between Shaw and Manchester every six minutes during the day, every 12 minutes in the evenings and on Saturdays and every 15 minutes on Sundays. Mr Burns told the meeting there was a strong likelihood that the new Metrolink station would be moved from the railway station to the south of Beal Lane.

The new line will transform the face of Shaw, with the new level crossing being replaced by a tram light system similar to Manchester city centre.

Work on the tracks will begin in October with the Manchester to Oldham Mumps line re-opening in August, 2011, and the Manchester to Rochdale line (including Shaw and Crompton) re-opening in spring, 2012.

The details of rail replacement services are still being hammered out, but Mr Burns told the meeting that express bus services from major stations on the route are the most likely option.

A special liaison team have been set up to help deal with enquiries from the public during office hours on 0161-244 1555.


Service costs rise by 2.5pc

AN increase in energy costs means Shaw and Crompton folk will pay more for parish council services this year.

The precept in the council tax charge — the annual charge levied for the services provided by the parish council — has been pushed up by 2.5 per cent from £13.90 to £14.25 for a Band D property to help pay for a massive 20 per cent hike in the cost of heating, lighting and cleaning.

The increased precept will also fund a 3 per cent increase in the chairman’s allowance to take into account inflation, although there will be no increase in member’s expenses or election spending.

The parish council will also use some of the increase to pay for a 3 per cent increase in business rates and water charges.