Start of a major transformation

GREAT day for Oldham . . . pictured (from the left) are Charlie Parker, Oldham Council chief executive; council leader Jim McMahon, Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, transport and regeneration; and Andrew Fender, chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester committee

What town hall chiefs think of the trams’ arrival

Charlie Parker - Oldham Council chief executive:

“I think this is a fantastic day for Oldham.

“It has taken a while to get here but it is the start of what I think will be a major transformation for the town.

“It provides a link to Manchester city centre which is great for employment prospects and also for people to come and visit Oldham in the future.

“It is a big day which I think will be really important when we look back in time.

“After all the effort and hard work that has gone in to this, it’s great to see this day finally arrive.

“However, the next bit is to make sure that the town centre link is on time and the quality is good.

“We need a transport structure that will help with the regeneration of Oldham.

“I have worked out that I can get the Metrolink from home to Oldham so I will be using the trams.

“There is a lot of business for me to attend in Manchester so it will be very convenient for me to jump on the tram.”




Councillor Jim McMahon - leader of Oldham Council:



“I am impressed by how smooth the trams are — it is a pleasant experience.

“It is fantastic that trams are now running into Oldham but our planning now is focused on 2014 to make sure the town centre line is fit for purpose and an experience people will come and enjoy.

“This is a statement of intent, we said we would deliver and we have. This is not just a connection to Manchester, it is a connection to the whole of Greater Manchester, Salford Quays and eventually, Manchester Airport.”




Councillor Dave Hibbert - cabinet member for housing, transport and regeneration:



“I’m very impressed with the service. It’s a very smooth journey and very comfortable and quick. The landscape at the stations, though still to be improved with more planting, is very pleasant.

“Metrolink will be the foundation of bringing Oldham into the 21st century. It will bring opportunities and investment of all different types — residential and commercial. It will significantly open the economic future of the town.”





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