METROLINK bosses have issued an apology to customers over delays in the service.

The move comes as Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) put together a submission to the Department for Transport for a package of upgrades on the Bury-Altrincham lines, including the purchase of new trams.

Serco Metrolink, which operates the network, say delays experienced during the past few weeks have been largely due to problems with vehicle availability. A tram involved in an accident last November is undergoing repair and wont be back in service until the spring.

Also affecting the service is an ongoing refurbishment programme of Metrolink's phase one trams. This means one vehicle being permanently out of service, with others affected. In addition, Serco stress that having to deal with day-to-day issues can also add to the vehicle availability problem.

Managing director Mr Phil Smith said: "We are extremely concerned at the level of service we are currently able to offer our customers. We are continuing to work with GMPTE so that we can reach a speedy conclusion to the vehicle availability problems in order for us to return to delivering a first class service for our customers.

"In the meantime, we will endeavour to keep customers informed via our station public address system, information displays and website. Once again, I would like to apologise to all our customers."