Lib Dem MP's join forces to put Rochdale in the spotlight!

9.36.02pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st Jul 2005

John, Paul and Tom - Putting Public Transport in Greater Manchester in the spotlight!

Lib Dem MP's - John Leech (Manchester Withington) and Tom Brake (Lib Dem Transport Spokesman) joined Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen in Rochdale to continue the fight for the Metrolink. Tom Brake is the Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson and had put the fight to extend the Metrolink at the top of his agenda.

They joined together as part of a visit to Greater Manchester hosted by the GMPTE. Paul Rowen said, "It is important to highlight the problems to Tom, we took him down to Drake Street and he met members of the Passenger Transport Executive and Chairman of STORM - Richard Greenwood. We will continue this fight until the Government keep their promise to the people of Greater Manchester. It is ironic that the last high profile MP to come to Rochdale and make a promise on Metrolink was none other than the Prime Minister - Tony Blair."

Tom Brake MP said, "I know that Paul has been busy campaigning to extend the Metrolink in Parliament - this includes his Early Day Motion which I have supported. The Metrolink is a vital part of Rochdale's future not just in terms of Public Transport but also regeneration. Light Transport Schemes across the country a huge upturn in terms of investment. It is a disgrace that this scheme is still not off the ground despite successive promises from the Conservative and now Labour Governments."

New Lib Dem MP - John Leech came to Rochdale to show his support and said he understood how the people of Rochdale felt. John said, "Manchester Withington is in the same situation as Rochdale - we have been promised exactly the same as Rochdale. I will work closely with Paul to make the Metrolink happen."