THIS huge banner has been unveiled at the offices of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) as the battle to get the Phase 3 Metrolink expansion programme 'Back On Track' stepped up another gear.

The banner, almost 45 metres wide and seven metres high, adorns two floor levels of GMPTE's Portland Street headquarters and gives details of how people can offer their support to the 'Get Our Metrolink Back On Track' initiative.

Unveiling the banner, GMPTE Director General Chris Mulligan said that there was an important message behind the eye-catching 'building wrap':

"This banner leaves no doubt as to our reaction to the decision by the Secretary of State not to approve the big bang Metrolink plans. The Metrolink network has become a much-relied on part of Greater Manchester's transport infrastructure and has proved popular with commuters across the county.

"The 'Get Our Metrolink Back On Track' initiative has already attracted the support of thousands of members of the public, visitors and local businesses. I would urge anyone who has not yet registered their support to pop into the GMPTE building on Portland Street, just opposite Piccadilly Gardens, and do so today. Alternatively, people can write to us or log on to our website at www.gmpte.com

"We want to make sure government is aware just how much this decision has disappointed Greater Manchester and the strong levels of public support."

A further 'Get Our Metrolink Back On Track' banner will be up at Oldham Council's Civic Centre headquarters over the next few days. The message has also gone mobile with a specially decorated tram travelling across the entire network to Bury, Altrincham and Eccles, featuring the eye-catching Metrolink logo and a plea for people to register support at www.gmpte.com <http://www.gmpte.com>

A highly successful 'Get the Metrolink Back on Track' event was held in Tameside on September 2 and further events are planned for Oldham (1.30 - 2.30pm, Friday, September 10), Rochdale (4 - 6pm, Friday, September 10) and Manchester (12.30 - 2pm, Thursday, September 16). The Authority is also holding fringe meetings on the importance of light rail systems at all three Political Party Conferences.

People can register support for Metrolink Phase 3 by email via the GMPTE www.gmpte.com or writing to 'Get Our Metrolink Back On Track', GMPTE, Freepost, MR7116, Manchester, M1 9QL.