Liberal Democrats work to keep tram disruption to a minimum

4.00.00pm GMT Sun 16th Mar 2008

Cllr Charles Dundas and Kevin Lang. The Liberal Democrats support the return of trams to Edinburgh but are working to keep disruption to a minimum.

Major works making way for the return of trams to Edinburgh are now underway across the city. The Liberal Democrats are working to keep disruption in Edinburgh North & Leith to a minimum during the construction.

Although the works are bringing some short term inconvenience, they will allow for a better, faster, more efficient and far more environmentally friendly addition to Edinburgh's public transport system. Gas, water and electricity pipes and cables are being renewed and moved out of the way of the route of the tram tracks, which will also allow for a total overhaul of the city centre's infrastructure.

Liberal Democrat councillor for the City Centre ward, Charles Dundas said, "Trams are not a replacement for buses, quite the opposite. Working in an integrated way with Lothian Buses, they will augment our existing public transport network. Trams will see an end to that unsightly and frustrating logjam in the heard of our historic city. There's a lot to put up with now, but it will be worth it."

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Kevin Lang added, "In the long term, it is vital for tram to be extended to cover other parts of North Edinburgh, including Newhaven, Granton, Pilton and eventually to parts of Craigleith. With all the new build housing development happening and with further planned in the future, providing a fast, reliable mass transport system to move people around our part of the city is going to be crucial. The construction of this tram line from Leith to the airport is not just important in its own right, it is vital if we are going to develop an integrated tram network serving other parts of the city."

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