Tram workers in line of fire

LAID down: Metrolink tracks in place at Mumps roundabout

A scathing cross-party attack has been levelled at the “appalling” behaviour of Metrolink contractors.

Lib-Dem councillor Howard Sykes led the criticism at last night’s Oldham council meeting – and was fully supported by Labour cabinet member Dave Hibbert.

Councillor Sykes slammed contractors in his Shaw ward for having “little regard” for locals — including night-work without giving notice and threatening to work between Christmas and New Year. He added: “The way they speak to residents and to the council is appalling. This is a serious matter — we all know how long we have waited for Metrolink, but we want this done properly. Contractors talk about consultation but they do not consult.”

Councillor Sykes said he would back the Labour administration all the way in making sure Oldham was not fobbed off with the “lowest possible standard Metrolink”.

“We are going to have to fight tooth and nail to get what we want,” he said. “Council leader Jim McMahon has already said he does not want a bunch of bus shelters at Mumps and we agree with him.

“When the line comes through Oldham town centre, we want it to be the best it can possibly be for the town.”

The criticism suggests a major breakdown between council and contractors. The work is being carried out by the M-Pact Thales consortium, which includes Thales and partners Laing O’Rourke and VolkerRail. They were awarded the contract by the former Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), now known as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Councillor Hibbert, who expressed concerns over the cost of the project, said: “I’m in total agreement with the concerns Councillor Sykes has raised. We will be keeping a close eye on everything that happens,” he added.

Both parties have previously expressed their frustration over delays to the Mumps to Rochdale line.

TfGM have admitted they do not know when the opening of Oldham Mumps will be — but said it would be later than the planned date of March, 2012, and opened at the same time as Central Park in Newton Heath.

The new opening date was meant to be announced in January, but remains undisclosed.

Councillor Hibbert said he expected the opening date to be in June or July. The tracks are now being tested.

He added: “We are in agreement that we want to see the Metrolink coming through Oldham and on to further destinations — the sooner, and safer, the better.”

The contractors and Transport for Greater Manchester had not responded to the criticisms as we went to press this morning.