Plea for trams, not a new road

Shrewsbury should be served by an £80 million continental-style tram system which could help slash congestion and remove the need for the controversial North West Relief Road, it was claimed today.

Councillor Mansel Williams, former chairman of Shrewsbury's three railway liaison committees, said he would be tabling a motion to the new Shropshire Council as soon as possible about his idea. The tram system would link the town centre with various suberbs.

Councillor Williams said he believed it could help transform Shrewsbury's public transport system.

He said he believed the proposal would cost a similar amount to the North West Relief Road but would be more environmentally friendly and more effective in reducing traffic within the town centre.

Councillor Williams said: "I want to get involved in the problems with congestion and air quality that we are suffering from in Shrewsbury and I am wanting to explore the possibility of a light rail system that would be a rapid form of transportation.

"Shrewsbury is surrounded by railway lines and it's also got a railway station in the town centre.

"There are now possibilities of exploring tram-train ideas because if we are talking about spending £70 or £80 million on a NWRR, which might or might not be a solution and won't come into fruition for many years, this might be a good idea."

Councillor Williams said the tram system could link Shrewsbury town centre and other suburbs such as Meole Brace and Harlescott as well as the town's Prostar Stadium. He said it could also link with outlying villages such as Baschurch and Hadnall to provide better access.

Councillor Williams said: "It's a vision but it certainly ought to be tabled and that is what I intend doing. I am going to be putting this forward at the earliest opportunity."

In February ideas for a £15 million parkway railway station in Harlescott was included in a county transport growth report which suggested one could be built within the next 20 years.

By Russell Roberts