PROPOSALS to develop a tram network in Warrington have the backing of the Green Party.
Light Rail UK, based in Warrington, are in the process of putting a proposal together which will then be submitted to the borough council.
Warrington and Halton Green Party are backing the proposal which they see as a means of reducing congestion and air pollution in the town and improve connectivity.
Lyndsay McAteer, deputy leader of the party locally, said: “Since the summer of 2017, Warrington and Halton Green Party have been advocating the reintroduction of trams in our town.
“Trams will have a positive effect in alleviating congestion, reducing air pollution, and improving connectivity. The lack of an integrated transport plan for Warrington is a big problem for our town when we have so many traffic problems and a bus network which is too expensive to use for many.”
The Greens say that not enough is being done to improve air quality in the town.
“A 2016 report by the World Health Organisation revealed that Warrington had the second highest level of air pollution in the North West.
“Warrington Borough Council needs to make a commitment to trams and to ensure that they are both affordable and accessible. “
Two years ago, Warrington-Worldwide revealed that up to four organisations – including Light Rail UK – were interested in developing a tram system for Warrington.
Another was Trampower, who are building a tram system at Preston.
It is believed private capital could be raised to meet the cost of the scheme. One possibility was that the network could be linked with Manchester’s Metrolink system at Altrincham.
Up until 1935, Warrington had a five-line tramway service, linking the town centre with Stockton Heath, Sankey Bridges, Latchford and Bruche. It was a victim of competition from cars, buses and under-investment.
Greens back plan for tram network in Warrington
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