Tram train: Prime Minister backs tram plans as Sheffield MP calls for Stocksbridge extension
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged money after an MP called for an extension to Sheffield’s tram network.
Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball called on Mr Starmer to work with her and South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard to bring about an extension of the city’s tram routes to take in her constituency.
She made the plea during a discussion about Sheffield retaining the World Snooker Championships for the next two decades.
She told the Prime Minister in the House of Commons: “I want my constituents to be able to enjoy this fantastic tournament, day and night, travelling by tram train, travelling from Stocksbridge, to Sheffield, via Oughtibridge, Wharncliffe side and Deepcar, I’m grateful for our South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, for kickstarting these plans.
“Will the Prime Minister, work with me, and the South Yorkshire mayor, to ensure that we get spades in the ground for a tram train extension to Stocksbridge as soon as possible to my constituents can enjoy the snooker?”
He told her: “Sheffield and the Crucible are the beating heart of snooker, and I am delighted that will host the World Snooker Championships for many years to come, because this is what Labour stands for, investing in things that make us proud of the places that we live.
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“Can I reassure my honourable friend that we are working with the South Yorkshire combined authority on better transport links, providing over £1.4 billion to spend on their priorities, which could include a new tram fleet, more modern stops, or deliver extensions.”
Proposals for a number of extensions have been proposed for the trams, including the Stocksbridge link.
And a tram train stop is due to be opened at Magna, in Rotherham, next month.
Other proposals for the extension of the tram trains have included taking routes out to Chesterfield, via Waverley.
It has been suggested previously that the Stocksbridge route could include stops at Oughtibridge, Wharncliffe Side and Deepcar.
The Chesterfield route could include Darnall, Waverley, Woodhouse, Beighton, Killamarsh, Eckington, Barrow Hill/Staveley, and Whittington.
There have also been suggestions that the old Victoria railway station near The Wicker could also be reopened to serve both routes, according to plans previously drawn up.