Transport Merseytram Line 1 - Transport Minister welcomes move to get tram scheme back on track
Transport minister, MP Ruth Kelly, says she would welcome a new bid to resurrect the Merseytram Line 1 initiative.
Knowsley North & Sefton East MP George Howarth - together with Riverside MP Louise Ellman and Liverpool Labour group leader Cllr Joe Anderson - have been campaigning hard for more than two years to resurrect the scheme the Liberal Democrat run council failed to deliver.
The Secretary of State for Transport said:
"I know that local people are very enthusiastic about this project and
both Louise Ellman and George Howarth are tenacious in their efforts to
maximise benefits in terms of regeneration and improved transport
links. I would be happy to receive a fresh proposal for Merseytram Line
1."
Local campaigners say the minister's comments have given fresh impetus to their campaign:
Knowsley North & Sefton East MP, George Howarth, said:
"This is a hugely important initiative for the city region which will
have a major positive impact on our economy, the regeneration of Kirkby
and for those living along the route. With Labour Knowsley and
hopefully a Labour administration in Liverpool after May 1st, I am
confident that Merseytram Line 1 can be delivered."
Riverside MP Louise Ellman said:
"Together with George Howarth, I have been working hard with the Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, to try to resurrect this important scheme which will connect the 90,000 people who live near the proposed route with jobs, shops, health and Leisure facilities. Only a united Labour team in Liverpool, Knowsley and Central Government can deliver this 21st century Transport System."
Labour group leader, Cllr Joe Anderson, said:
"Merseytram Line 1 was, sadly, another Lib-Dem disaster. Unable to agree amongst themselves, they allowed hundreds of millions of pounds of investment for Merseyside to slip through their fingers. Labour control in Liverpool, together with Labour controlled Knowsley - with active support from our Labour MPs - would provide a major push to get this important project started again".
Cllr Ron Round, the leader of Knowsley Council, said: "The Everton/Tesco proposals for Kirkby, if successful, would help get the tram back on track. Linking Kirkby with a direct fixed tram route into the city centre is a win-win proposition for Kirkby and the city".
Merseytravel chairman Councillor Mark Dowd said: "The tram will bring enormous benefits to the people of Merseyside and I really hope that we will see it to fruition."
For further information, please contact: George Howarth on 07921 864 094 / 0151 546 9918
Additional information
- Merseytravel still have all of the powers in place to go ahead with this project, subject only to government approval.
- The project is widely accepted as being an important instrument for regenerating some of the poorest communities on Merseyside.
- The proposed route for Line 1 links Kirkby with Liverpool City centre and will serve 90,000 people who live within easy walking distance of the route.
- It provides a reliable and frequent link which means that it will not be impeded by road traffic. Moreover, Mersytravel believes that it will help relieve congestion in Liverpool City Centre by providing an efficient alternative to the car and the ability to cross the strand in two places.
- It will generate approximately 1000 jobs during the construction phase and 300 jobs once operational.
- It will be a safe means of travel with conductors and on-board CCTV technology.
- It is designed to be friendly with level boarding for people with disabilities.
- The tram will be environmentally friendly using cleaner energy sources than other forms of public transport and replacing car use.
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