Chisholm hits out at plan to drop tram line

Published on Saturday 22 November 2008 10:23

DROPPING plans for a tram line between Roseburn and Granton would be a "huge blow" for communities in the north of the city, an MSP said today.

Earlier this week it emerged that the 87 million extension to Edinburgh's tram line looks set to be scrapped amid a mounting cash crisis, despite the city council insisting that no decision has been made.

Malcolm Chisholm, MSP for Edinburgh North and Leith, said the spur, known as line lb, had a large amount of support in his constituency.

He said: "The project has very considerable support in north Edinburgh and has been central to regeneration plans over the past few years.

"Any suggestion of scrapping the Granton spur would be another huge blow to the area. It is vital that the Granton spur is constructed in order to improve journey times for residents in Granton and Pilton, to hasten the economic development of the waterfront and to support climate change objectives."

City council leader Jenny Dawe has insisted that plans for the spur line are not dead, and says a group is currently exploring costs and funding for the project.