There's a big hole in our street (From Messenger Newspapers)

MP Paul Goggins backs residents in calling on Transport for Greater Manchester to review landscaping plans

9:10am Thursday 5th April 2012 in News By Chris Griffin

ANGRY Sale Moor residents say a multi-million pound Metrolink extension has left an 'ugly, gaping hole" in their neighbourhood.

Transport bosses have demolished six houses on Pimmcroft Way to make way for the nine mile line to Manchester Airport, which is due for completion in 2016.

A residents' group and MP Paul Goggins says that this has had a major impact on their neighbourhood - and that Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has failed to come up with a suitable plan to screen and landscape it.

Two options put forward by the residents have been rejected.

Graham Roe, the area co-ordinator of the Nurseries Estate Homewatch Association, said: "They have taken away a chunk of our estate and left an ugly gaping hole there.

"We need to have some extensive landscaping with mature trees, to provide a proper environmental screen.

"But all they have offered to do is put up a 2.8m high fence with some bushes - and that won't be until 2016. That is totally unacceptable."

MP Mr Goggins also hit out: "I want Metrolink to look at this again. if they don't, I will take it to the senior councillors who oversee the work of Transport for Greater Manchester.

"I am a big supporter of Metrolink, but it has to be recognised that residents are facing a lot of disruption."

Ward councillor Joanne Bennett said: "We have had numerous meetings with TfGM and we are very disappointed that they have rejected all our proposals to alleviate the problems caused by their works.

"They must take some responsibility for ensuring that this estate does not become blighted by their actions.

Philip Purdy, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink director, insisted they had taken on board the views of residents: “We’ve had several discussions with local residents and about landscaping in the Pimmcroft Way area.

“As a result of their feedback, revised proposals for landscaping have been developed. These proposals include additional evergreen planting to address the concerns residents had raised.

“For obvious practical reasons, our intention is to carry out the landscaping towards the end of the construction works on the line, rather than while construction is still ongoing.”