Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader and member of Greater Manchester Transport Committee councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “With rail services and infrastructure in the North of England in the worst state in decades, any investment from the Government is welcome news.  But forgive me for not breaking out the bunting.”

“This £72 million is just a drop in the ocean compared to the £20 billion being spent on London’s Crossrail project.  The government is dropping London’s spare change in the Greater Manchester’s bucket whilst quietly cutting plans for two new platforms at Piccadilly, which are desperately needed.”

“What Greater Manchester and the rest of the North really needs, is ambitious and sustained investment in its rail systems and not just a Government which delays and cuts major projects and only offers scraps in return.”