?72m rail funding criticised as ‘drop in the ocean’
The announcement promises improved railway services in Greater Manchester, with upgraded track in north Manchester, a third platform at Salford Crescent, and extra entry and exit points at Manchester Victoria, which also serves Oldham’s tram line.
However, the announcement also sees the cancellation of decade-old plan to build two more platforms at Manchester Piccadilly.
The addition of platforms 15 and 16 at what is Britain’s fourth busiest railway station outside London was designed to ease severe congestion.
Rail minister Huw Merriman told the PA news agency that Network Rail has “withdrawn their planning application” because “the focus” is on other improvements that are going ahead to “help the passengers who are using the services right now”.
Oldham’s politicians weren’t totally impressed with the plans.
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, highlighted the impact of the dropped platform plans on passengers in Greenfield.
The MP said: “Whilst this infrastructure investment is a welcome step to improve rail journeys in Greater Manchester, including the passenger experience at Manchester Victoria, there is clearly more to do to ensure sure we have a comprehensive package of improvements needed to transform rail travel in our region.
“It is disappointing that a long-term project to add extra platforms to Manchester Piccadilly, where many Greenfield passengers travel to and from, has been scrapped and that passengers at Greenfield still continue to face an inaccessible platform[1].
“Whilst we are expecting accessibility to be delivered at Greenfield station when the Transpennine Upgrade is delivered[2] this is still subject to funding confirmation. This should be a clear priority for Government.”
A footbridge has to be scaled to access the Huddersfield-bound platform at Greenfield (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)
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Oldham Lib Dem leader and member of Greater Manchester Transport Committee Cllr Howard Sykes MBE also criticised the cancellation of the extra Piccadilly platforms.
Cllr Sykes said: “With rail services and infrastructure in the North of England in the worst state in decades, any investment from the Government is welcome news.
“But forgive me for not breaking out the bunting.
“This £72 million is just a drop in the ocean compared to the £20 billion being spent on London’s Crossrail project.
“The government is dropping London’s spare change in the Greater Manchester’s bucket whilst quietly cutting plans for two new platforms at Piccadilly, which are desperately needed.”
“What Greater Manchester and the rest of the North really needs, is ambitious and sustained investment in its rail systems and not just a Government which delays and cuts major projects and only offers scraps in return.”
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Following the DfT announcement, mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “There is a massive opportunity to change rail journeys for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and the North for the better, and this infrastructure investment is a welcome next step to help make that happen.
“Through the task force and our trailblazer deal, we will continue working with government and the industry to help shape the comprehensive package of improvements needed to transform rail travel and support our growing economy, so that we can create more jobs and homes.”
Network Rail’s Tim Shoveller said: “Today’s announcement is really positive, allowing us to get on with fixing the infrastructure around central Manchester so we can run trains more reliably.
“The rail industry has come together to work on these proposals, building into a long-term vision that will get the best for our passengers and freight users alike.
“We also have ambitious plans for the future of Manchester Oxford Road. We’re removing our previous planning application so we can move forward with a new approach, something we’ll be consulting residents and businesses on later in the year.
“This isn’t the only way the government is investing in Manchester. The recent trailblazer devolution deal committed to supporting reforming local rail in the region, including pilots of pay-as-you-go ticketing and integrated London-style transport on the Bee network.”
The Oldham Conservatives were contacted for comment.
References
- ^ passengers at Greenfield still continue to face an inaccessible platform (www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk)
- ^ the Transpennine Upgrade is delivered (www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk)
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