There have been major concessions made on the Metrolink scheme that will be of real benefit to residents in Audenshaw. Andrew, local campaigner Teresa Smith and Tameside council have been worked tirelessly to challenge Traffic Regulation Orders that were proposed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as part of the Metrolink scheme.

After a lobbying campaign by Andrew Gwynne MP, Leader of Tameside Council Kieran Quinn and local campaigner Teresa Smith there have been a number of significant Changes.

The main changes include:

• No raised Tram Line, which will be level with the rest of the road. There will be no barrier or physical restriction to vehicles crossing the track.
• Reduced number of turning bans in the area.
• Restrictions on loading, which will now only occur between 0.700-10.00 and 16.00-19.00. A number of proposed waiting restrictions have also been removed.  
• Parking facilities will be provided to shops on Droylsden Road, the shops near Assheton Avenue and those between Kingsley Grove and Kershaw Lane.

Andrew Gwynne MP said:

“There have been a wide range of concerns raised about the Metrolink Scheme by local residents and I am very pleased that Transport for Greater Manchester have taken account of the strength of local feeling. I am also very grateful for the support given to the campaign by Council Leader Kieran Quinn and local campaigner Teresa Smith. These are all very sensible and pragmatic changes which will help protect the quality of life for the local community whilst allowing this economically beneficial project to proceed.”

Local Campaigner Teresa Smith said:

“I have been glad take up this issue on behalf of local residents with the Leader of the Council and our local MP Andrew Gwynne. It’s certainly a relief that Transport for Greater Manchester have seen sense and amended the plans to reflect people’s concerns.”

The letters explaining the changes are below.