Stockport tram: Mayor to put business case for in-demand link

People in Stockport have campaigned for Metrolink to be extended to the town

Plans to extend Greater Manchester's Metrolink tram network to Stockport have taken a step closer - with mayor Andy Burnham promising to make a business case for the in-demand link.

He said he will work with Stockport Council on the expansion over the next 12 months.

The proposal would link the town to Manchester Airport and East Didsbury.

Mr Burnham said the move would help Stockport "unlock its outstanding potential".

"We are developing the business cases to bring Metrolink to Stockport and redevelop the town's railway station," he said.

"When combined with the arrival of the Bee Network franchised bus to the borough it would bring huge social and economic benefits to the town.

"I know the vision for Stockport is a compelling one, and I would like to bring our outstanding tram network there as soon as we possibly can."

Mayor Andy Burnham said he is working work with council leader Mark Hunter

Stockport Council leader Mark Hunter said the area has "everything in place" for work to begin.

"Stockport has delivered in recent years - both in terms of regenerating our town centre and improving our existing infrastructure," he said.

Stockport's new multi-million-pound transport interchange will open in March next year and will be surrounded by new homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Stockport mayoral development corporation's interim chairman Eamonn Boylan said it was "invaluable to the town, to the city region, and to the wider northern and national rail networks".

He added: "Enhancing Stockport's role as the transport hub for the south of Greater Manchester while maximising its role as an economic driver for Stockport is a longstanding ambition."