THE news that Bolton (along with Wigan) might at long last join the Metrolink network in the future (BEN Sept 19) is tempered by the vagueness of the statement by Cllr Harkin that "I can't say how long it will take but I intend to see the Metro extended to Bolton before I retire in the next 10 years".
As Bolton and Bury Chamber's Chief Executive says, considering Bolton's size such a link should have been planned from the outset -- along with one to adjoining Leigh/Tyldesley (both isolated from rail/metro stations). Instead they are to be lumbered by GMPTA with an unwanted and unpopular project -- The Guided Busway.
With the Government overflowing with motoring taxes, projects such as Metrolink should have been constructed by now -- instead we have to wait up to 10 years while the money is wasted on a rapidly expanding level of government (Wales, Scotland and London), unnecessary wars (Kosovo, Sierra Leone) and the disastrous asylum seekers programme.
No, the people of Bolton and Wigan deserve their Metrolink now.
As for the idea that a Manchester Airport check-in be established at Bolton station in the future, I proposed that a dedicated satellite railhead for this purpose be constructed at Horwich Parkway to the GMPTE almost 10 years ago!
Derek Bullock
Durban Street
Atherton
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