A LEADING politician has criticised what she called the 'empty promises' by the Chancellor of the Exchequer over replacement of ageing trains travelling through Trafford.

Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green, expressed her anger over George’s Osborne’s empty promises over the Northern Rail trains.

According to Ms Green, the chancellor said that the outdated and uncomfortable Northern Rail Pacer trains – which serve the line through Flixton, Chassen Road, Urmston, Humphrey Park and Trafford Park – were to be replaced.

Subsequent to that announcement, a Labour transport spokeswoman revealed 'the truth' in that train companies bidding for the new Northern Rail franchises would be 'encouraged', not 'required' to replace the Pacers.

Ms Green said, “Earlier this year, I surveyed constituents about our local train services, and the poor quality of the rolling stock was a major criticism.

"So I was excited when I heard Mr Osborne say in his autumn statement last week that the Pacer trains would be replaced.

“But now it turns out his statement was smoke and mirrors – there will be no requirement on companies bidding to run our line to replace the outdated Pacers. It’s disgraceful.

“Any company bidding for the service through Urmston needs to guarantee it will bring in the new trains that are desperately needed.”