Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Highways and Transportation.

The reports provide a timeline to the different Metrolink proposals for the borough of Stockport, by drawing upon a number of strategies and plans as per the report.

The Scrutiny Review Panel is requested to consider and note the report.

Contact officer: Sue Stevenson 0161 474 4351 | sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the various historic Metrolink proposals for the borough of Stockport.

The Director of Development and Regeneration (Paul Richards) and Head of Highways and Transportation (Sue Stevenson) attended the meeting to respond to member questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was reported that Stockport railway station had capacity issues, and that it was expected that a Metrolink/ tram train scheme would alleviate these issues.

·         Funding had been the significant challenge in the progression of a Metrolink/ tram train scheme for Stockport since the very first proposals put forward in 2001.

·         It was noted that other extensions to Metrolink elsewhere in Greater Manchester (GM) had been enabled owing to the use of existing railway lines.

·         Stockport Council were continuing to work with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in terms of what schemes and funding could be brought forward for Stockport.

·         It was noted that a system operating on electricity would have some operational cost impact.

·         The advantages and disadvantages to raised and ground level platforms were discussed. Raised platforms enabled people to wait in a safe place, however, the platforms were not as accessible as ground level platforms.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.