MP Chris Green has welcomed plans to expand Greater Manchester's tram network to include Atherton.

Proposals have been made to extend links to Bolton and on the Atherton line between Manchester and Wigan to ease pressure on rail networks.

Bolton West and Atherton representative Mr Green has praised the announcement.

He said: “The Government has already committed millions to the re-electrification of our local lines but further plans to extend the Metrolink is welcome news.

“Proposals to extend the tram network to include towns like Bolton and Atherton will alleviate pressures off our local roads, while also providing a reliable mode of public transport for local people.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is working alongside Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on the move.

Mr Grayling said: “Metrolink has been transformative for Greater Manchester and I want to see the network expand.

“A Greater Manchester tram-train also has the potential to seamlessly integrate our existing rail and tram tracks and services.

“We will work closely to explore proposals which would see TfGM running more services, underlining our belief in greater local control.”