Fury at Leeds Supertram decision (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

Fury at Leeds Supertram decision

November 9, 2005 12:08 PM

Councillor John Smithson Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council and Chair of Yorkshire and Humberside Liberal Democrats is seeking urgent talks with Metro concerning the announcement of that the government is pulling the plug on the Supertram scheme in Leeds. "This will have an impact not only in Leeds, the impact will be felt here in Kirklees and right across the region. The government has dealt a severe blow to the management of transport across Yorkshire and the Humber" says Councillor John Smithson.

"The supertram project was a massive economic investment in the region which would have caused inward investment which residents of Kirklees would have benefited from. I am extremely angry that the government has decided not to back this plan. Transport officers in Councils and in metro have worked extremely hard to bring off this project. It is criminal that the Government has decided not to back it at the last minute."

"I am seeking urgent talks with Metro to see what part Kirklees Council can play in the fight back against this decision. I shall also be raising the issue with other Liberal democrat leaders at the Liberal Democrat Regional Conference on Saturday 5th November in Leeds Town Hall."

"The government seems to be saying that the costs of the scheme have escalated but it looks to me as if they government has changed the accounting system it has used and they are not compare like with like. I shall be backing my colleagues in Leeds to challenge the government figures; this is too important issue not to fight back. Everyone, except the Government it seems recognises the role of joined up public transport connectivity in supporting a strong regional economy."