Tram route cutback plans are branded 'unacceptable'

Published on Thursday 19 August 2010 12:58

PLANS to cut back Edinburgh's tram route have been branded "unacceptable" by Labour's Malcolm Chisholm.

In a letter to Finance Secretary John Swinney, the Edinburgh North & Leith MSP made clear he was opposed to the option, currently being considered by the city council, of settling for a route between the airport and York Place only.

"That would be totally unacceptable to my constituents," said Mr Chisholm.

"Even many of those who were opposed to the tram at the start are aghast at this prospect. Residents and businesses have endured a great deal of disruption over the last two to three years and the least they can expect is some tangible benefit to result from that."

He urged Mr Swinney to allow the council to borrow money to complete the full route to Newhaven and pay it back from extra business rate income generated by the trams.

Mr Chisholm suggested there would need to be an inquiry into the trams, but the priority was to get the work finished.