Get on board new trams link — plea

A FURTHER tramline expansion could leave Oldham as the only town in Greater Manchester without a direct link to Piccadilly.

That’s the warning from Councillor John Dillon, who says Oldham should get on board in time for when the new Metrolink city-centre crossing opens at the end of 2016.

The expansion could open up a direct link to London — but only if the borough lobbies for it, said Councillor Dillon, who will ask next week’s full meeting of Oldham Council to support the call.

He said: “It is important for the economic outlook of the borough that there are easy connections to London as well as Manchester Airport.”

A second Metrolink tram crossing is being built on the northern side of Manchester city centre. It will run from Victoria Station along Corporation Street, Cross Street, Princess Street, St Peter’s Square and Lower Mosley Street.

It will avoid Piccadilly Gardens which currently caters for other tram routes serving Piccadilly directly.

Councillor Dillon added: “Oldham trams currently run to Market Street but the new city-centre crossing could give this borough direct links with all the railway stations in Manchester city centre — and beyond.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, Councillor Dillon will say Oldham’s Metrolink trams have been a great success throughout the area and that a Piccadilly link can build on that success.

He hopes the council will support his request to Transport for Greater Manchester for a direct tram service to Piccadilly.

Councillor Roger Hindle is supporting the motion and said Metrolink has been a success in opening up parts of Oldham such as Derker for wider job opportunities.

He said: “I look forward to seeing London Road in Oldham being a starting point for journeys to London.”