Up to speed on Metrolink

A SERIES of public meetings will give people the chance to find out more about Metrolink coming to Oldham.

Oldham’s rail loop line is now closed with work well under way to replace it with tram lines — expected to open in autumn 2011.

Residents will have 12 chances to discuss the £600 million Metrolink expansion with Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) staff, starting next week.

Philip Purdy, GMPTE’s Metrolink director, said: “People are going to start seeing a lot of activity over the coming months as we start to make real headway on the construction of the new line.

“We’re going to be building a brand new viaduct over the Rochdale railway line, refurbishing around 100 bridges and other structures, rebuilding existing stations and creating brand new ones, so there are several big projects involved.

“That’s why I think it’s important for people to come along to these drop-in events and speak to the team, so they can find out first-hand about the kind of work we’re doing, the schedule we’re working to and the way we are approaching it all.”

The events, each taking place between 5 and 7pm, are at:

Newbold Baptist Church, Rochdale, Wednesday, November 18.

Crompton Library, Shaw, on Thursday, November 19.

Turf Lane Lifelong Learning Centre, Chadderton, Monday, November 23.

Newhey Lodge, Huddersfield Road, Rochdale, Tuesday, November 24.

Bardsley Dance Centre, Alford Street, Oldham, Wednesday, November 25.

Oldham Library, Union Street, Thursday, November 26.

Shaw Road Conservative Club, Oldham, Monday, November 30.

Millennium Centre, Featherstall Road, Oldham, Tuesday, December 1.

Rochdale Training Association, Fishwick Street, Rochdale, Wednesday, December 2.

Mather Street Primary School, Failsworth, Thursday, December 3.

Milnrow Cricket Club, Monday, December 7.

Broadhurst Primary School, Moston, Tuesday, December 8.

Members of the public will be able to view plans and speak to officials from GMPTE on a one-to-one basis about the project.

To find out more about the proposals, call the Metrolink public liaison team on 0161-244 1555 (open during office hours) or e-mail future.metrolink@gmpte.gov.uk  or visit www.gmpte.com/futuremetrolink .