'Metrolink to Stockport is huge - but it must come to Cheadle too'

An MP has called for Metrolink to be expanded beyond Stockport town centre.

Cheadle’s MP has said Metrolink 'must go further' than Stockport town centre to spread the benefits of the network across the borough.

Tom Morrison called for trams to be extended into his constituency, which he said has been 'left behind' with public transport.

The MP has written to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham making the case for the move, saying trams in Cheadle could reduce road congestion and boost high streets.

There are also plans in place for a new train station in Cheadle which was supposed to be ready this year, but the work has been held up by timetable adjustments on the Mid Cheshire line.

The government announced £2.5bn of funding for Greater Manchester this week, which will be used to pay for a tram extension to Stockport town centre.

It is thought the route to the town centre could link Stockport to the existing Metrolink stop at East Didsbury.

“Bringing Metrolink to Stockport is a huge opportunity - but it must go further,” Mr Morrison said.

“A route through Cheadle would connect thousands of residents, boost our high streets, and help make the new Cheadle station the transport hub our community needs.

“This funding is welcome – but it must deliver for the whole borough.”

Cheadle’s MP is a former councillor in Stockport who was elected to Parliament in last year’s general election.

Bosses in the town hall said in February 2024 that trams to Stockport town centre are just the first part of their aim for the expanding network.

Mark Glynn, director of place management at the council, said at the time: "While the ambition for the borough is for the Metrolink from East Didsbury to the town centre first, we also want to make sure that we're linked up to the airport, through Reddish into Ashton, as part of an integrated network.

"It's absolutely vital that Stockport is part of the integrated Metrolink network, and East Didsbury to Stockport is phase one."

Some parts of the Cheadle constituency have faced local transport issues.

In November, residents Bramhall said they felt 'cut off' due to regular train cancellations on Sundays.

Mr Morrison added: “For too long, Cheadle has been left behind when it comes to public transport.

“The government’s commitment to extending Metrolink is a big step forward – now we need to make sure the route works for local people.

“I have written to Mayor Burnham to make the case for Cheadle and will keep fighting to make sure we get the connections we deserve.”

Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester mayor's office were approached for comment.