MP ANGELA Rayner has told the Government the new HS2 rail link will leave many people in the area crippled by a blockage to the tram system – or undo work to bring pollution down.
The multi-billion pound project will see faster trains and a reduced journey time between Manchester and London, if or when it is completed.
But while work is going on, the current tram line between Ashton and Manchester looks set to be blocked for two years.
And Ms Rayner, through whose constituency much of the route runs, has spelled out the chaos that would cause to people.
In a letter, she tells transport secretary Grant Shapps: “The proposal states that a bus replacement service will be in operation for the period of closure.
“This will present a level of disruption that is wholly unacceptable and will have a significant negative impact on my constituents.
“There is a stark difference in journey time from Ashton to the city centre depending on the mode of transport and this has not been factored in.
“The closure of this well-used Metrolink line will force many people to use their own cars for their daily commute at a time when Greater Manchester leaders are working to drive down air pollution.
“Added to this will be the increased traffic the construction work will necessitate on what is already an extremely congested route into the city centre.
“Organisations across Greater Manchester are in agreement that the most sensible solution would be to maintain a shuttle tram service between Ashton and New Islington with a satellite vehicle stabling/maintenance depot at Ashton Moss.
“This would allow for the construction work to be carried out at Manchester Piccadilly without causing severe disruption to commuters within my constituency who rely on the tram to get to work.
“I understand that a construction project as ambitious as this cannot be carried out without some level of disruption, but I believe it is completely unreasonable to expect my constituents to endure a minimum of two years without their Metrolink service when a sensible and workable alternative has been suggested.”
HS2 work has already started in some areas of the country as phase one has a projected completion date of 2029-2033.
However, Phase 2B which will see it come to Manchester has a date of between 2040 and 2045.
Despite her misgivings over the effect work will have, Ms Rayner does believe it will benefit the area in the long term.
In her letter, she adds: “I welcome the much-needed extension of high speed train provision and the undoubted benefits it will bring to my constituency and to the levelling up ambitions of Greater Manchester as a whole.
“But I have serious concerns about the effect the construction work will have on my constituents.
“I have met with representatives from Transport for Greater Manchester, Tameside Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and we are united in our objection to the proposed closure of the Metrolink line between Ashton and Manchester Piccadilly for a period of two years.
“I hope you will look again at this proposal and the unanimous views of the local organisations in wanting the alternative suggestion.”