Stockport Council leader Mark Roberts has issued a plea to Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to push forward with the extension of the Metrolink tram network into Stockport and beyond.

In a speech at a council meeting on 1 October, he said the project was 'firmly on its way' with an update 'to follow in the coming months'.

However, he added: "Let's be honest in this chamber that warm words or table thumping about future extensions are not enough so I call from here to the newly elected Greater Manchester Mayor to work with me as leader of the council to put rocket boosters under our ambition here."

He said the borough needed to be given a 'fair connection to the Bee Network now', adding the regional authority needed 'to work with us and together with us with much greater urgency'. He said: "This is not about special pleading, it's about fairness."

Investment has been made in Stockport through the 192 night bus, the new interchange in the town centre, as well as a new service out to the Woodford Garden Village. TfGM is also set to start integrating local rail services into the Bee Network.

A TfGM spokesperson said: "The Bee Network is transforming travel across Greater Manchester, with plans to grow and improve further as we deliver a transport system fit for a global city-region, connecting every community like never before.

"Stockport is a vital part of this, which is why we're continuing to invest in better public transport and active travel, and we are working closely with the council to extend Metrolink and bring trams to the town centre."