THE FORMER leader of Tameside Council has called for more balance on a panel that may influence the area’s public transport.
Seven members of the proposed Bee Network Working Group are councillors in the Stalybridge and Hyde constituency, which Metrolink does not currently touch.
Whereas Ashton-under-Lyne, which sees the trams pass through Droylsden and Audenshaw on the way to its terminus, only has three.
And Cllr Ged Cooney feels that make-up may be lopsided, with a telling comment after seeing Cllrs Stephen and Jack Homer named on there.
At the full council meeting on Wednesday, December 3, he said: “It seems to me it’s heavily loaded on the Stalybridge and Hyde side of this borough.
“There are seven from there, three from Ashton and clearly there’s a major issue in Mossley because there are two from Mossley on there.
“I would hope that Stephen looks at that again and has a good balance across the borough.
“I accept there’s only one from Denton, but we had a real look at that and if we don’t get this sorted prior to it coming in in January, we’re going to have trouble trying to sort out any of the routes.
“Have a look at the membership as it’s very, very Stalybridge and Hyde.”
In response, Cllr Stephen Homer – Tameside Council’s executive member for towns, transport and connectivity – promised a review.
He said: “I’m more than happy to have a look at that for you.”