Metrolink work on track

Workmen remove the railway track and sleepers from alongside Mumps train station in preparation for the Metrolink

PROGRESS on Oldham’s Metrolink line is on track, with tram travel expected to begin next year.

The first phase, to run trams along the existing loop line, should be complete by autumn 2011 while the second phase, which would see trams running through the town centre, expected by early 2014.

Councillor Jackie Stanton said: “The benefits of Metrolink are clear for all to see but it will be a long time until we actually see it running.

“We need to keep reminding ourselves and others of the positive points as we will have to endure lots of disruptive construction work before we see the end result.

“It is vital that people are kept informed of developments as they happen.”

Mike Flanagan, manager of the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, added: “Manchester city centre coped when they built Metrolink there so we should find out what kinds of things they did to make life easier for everyone during the work.”