ATHERTON Councillor Joe Clarke, who chairs the Greater Manchester Transport Authority, has welcomed the green light for the10k (six miles) extension of the Metrolink system to East Manchester and Ashton-u-Lyne.

He said: "The authority is committed to developing a truly integrated public transport system throughout Greater Manchester.

"We see extending Metrolink further as a vital part of our plans. Metrolink brings many benefits, including reduced pollution, congestion and noise.

This good news shows we are nearer our goal of creating a network which will benefit all of Greater Manchester."

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