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MMU campus closure puts Didsbury Metrolink 'under threat'

23/05/2008

The chances of extending the Metrolink network to Didsbury could be under threat if Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) shuts down its campus in the south Manchester suburb, it has been claimed.

Ministers are considering whether to hand over £3 billion to Manchester transport chiefs to overhaul public transport in the city-region, which would include an extended line to Didsbury and the airport.

But supporters of the Metrolink expansion believe that if the MMU campus is closed then transport bosses will rethink their plans, reports the South Manchester Reporter.

Former Labour councillor Geoff Bridson, who was once a member of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, told the paper: "There are 2,700 students and nearly 400 members of staff who will no longer be using the site; they would have been prime users of the tram system.

"My concern is now all these people will be based elsewhere that it will put Metrolink off the expansion."

He said £10million has already been spent on infrastructure works in preparation for the extended Metrolink line.

Earlier this week, transport secretary Ruth Kelly said the government is prepared to invest £244 million in the extension of the Metrolink network to Oldham, Rochdale and Chorlton.