RESIDENTS are up in arms at plans to axe a popular bus route through Droylsden.

The No7 bus travels from Ashton to Stockport via Droylsden. It is a bus route that is both essential and also well used. Operators Stagecoach say the running of the number 7 that goes through the town has been adversely affected by work on the Metrolink so are asking users to give their views in an online questionnaire.

One of the options is to cut Droylsden out completely, the idea being to ‘alter the route to omit Droylsden by running via Ashton Old Road between Openshaw and Ashton.’ It is this option that the Droylsden councillors along with residents who use the bus are campaigning against.


The other two options are to cut the frequency of the bus or change the route through neighbouring Reddish. The company plan to implement one or more of the options.

On their website Stagecoach said: “Customers will be aware that our performance on this service has been adversely affected by roadworks in the Droylsden and Audenshaw areas, caused by construction of the new Metrolink line. As these works are set to continue for a further significant period of time, we have been looking at the options available to us to try to ensure that we can maintain an attractive and reliable service.”


Droylsden Councillor and Executive Council Leader, Cllr Kieran Quinn said: "Get on board to save popular bus service"


"It is really important that as many of our residents as possible take part in this consultation if they want this popular bus to remain coming through our town.


As Cllr Susan Quinn added “There is no point failing to take part then complaining if the service gets axed from Droylsden. I know it is very popular with our residents, so they need to let Stagecoach know as well. Remember Stagecoach may decide to implement more than one of the options and I’m sure that once the service has been cut we will find it extremely hard to get it back on track, even once the Metrolink is up and running.


In finishing Cllr Jim Middleton added “We are all aware that the construction work is causing problems for everyone who lives in the area, but that should not be used as an excuse to cut services to our town even more.”

Stagecoach plan to implement their changes from January 30 so residents should make their views known by then by clicking on: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=71D4VhehtwVK9Y6bT3Y1gA%3d%3d.

The above photo shows Cllrs Susan & Kieran Quinn with local residents who have petitioned Stagecoach to keep the No7 travelling through Droylsden.

Your Droylsden East Labour team work hard for residents all year round. Our reputation has been built up over many decades. Local people know we are always available to help.

Your Labour team care what local people think and are the only party that listens to and regularly ask for your comments. Last year we delivered  6 separate leaflets as well as our annual Christmas card. Something no other organisation can match.

Our pledge for 2011 is to continue listening to you and working hard to help make sure that Droylsden improves. We will also be keeping a close check on the Metrolink works as it moves through Droylsden.

As we welcome in the New Year can we wish all our residents a happy and prosperous 2011.

Cllr Kieran Quinn, Cllr Susan Quinn and Cllr Jim Middleton wish all residents a very Merry Christmas.

This is the time of year that we think of family and friends.

It is also right that we spend a moment to think about those who are on their own at this time.

Whatever your circumstances we hope you have a peaceful and joyous holiday.

The May 2010 election result in Droylsden East showed how voters appreciate the excellent work your 3 Labour Councillor’s do - ALL YEAR ROUND.

Once again, given a clear choice at this election, voters in Droylsden put Labour first.

Local people know it is not by chance that Tameside’s Labour Council is one of the best performing Councils in the country.

The BNP had a disastrous election. Not only did their actual vote fall, their share of the vote halved.

The Tories had privately talked up their chances of coming second, however they missed out by only 16 votes. Voters in Droylsden stuck with Labour - for that we are indebted.

Our pledge to local people is to make sure your faith in Labour is returned with continued hard work and dedication.

You may recall the frustration of your 3 Labour Councillors with Metrolink's designers and planners when they decided to put this street light right in the middle of the new footpath, blocking its use for anyone with a pram or a motorised buggy.

Below is the most recent leaflet delivered FREE to residents in Droylsden East.

All our leaflets are delivered jointly by your 3 Labour Councillors along with help from volunteers who live in the Droylsden area.

We are the only Party that regularly informs local people about what is happening in our town as well as consulting with local people on any issues that are considered important.

In 2010 residents received 5 separate leaflets as well as some individual personalised letters.

This backs up our pledge to work all year round for you.

Your 3 Labour Councillors Kieran Quinn, Jim Middleton & Susan Quinn have told the Metrolink that traffic must keep moving at all times during construction. Also that pedestrian safety must be a priority at all times

As we all know the work to build the new Metrolink line from central Manchester to Droylsden and then on to Ashton has been underway for nearly 2 years. During this time most of the activity throughout the town has been to completely renew the utilities along the route.

Moving these utilities away from the tram route has benefitted our town by getting millions of pounds in structural investment over these 2 years. This work has brought many challenges, not only to traffic movements throughout the town, but also concerning pedestrian safety. Additionally with GMPTE constantly moving bus stops this is leading to real confusion for bus users.

Since April the work has moved onto laying the tracks and building the tram stops. This has created some unique problems especially with access to drives. This also highlighted how the tram was close to arriving.

During all this time your 6 Droylsden councillors have met regularly with officers from the GMPTE (Greater Manchester Passenger Transport) and MPT the company building the line. At every meeting we have challenged their plans and proposed alternatives to keep the town moving.

Recent problems arose  when the traffic management arrangements failed to keep traffic moving. Many residents experienced journey times to pass through the town of over 40 minutes.

As Cllr Kieran Quinn said, “Enough is enough. We have told Metrolink they need to get their act together” “We believe keeping Droylsden moving must be the priority.”