It's finally happening.

Stockport has been waiting for years for a Metrolink extension – and today the government announced it is stumping up the cash to turn the plans into reality.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has been given £2.5bn to spend on new projects, including extending the tram network to Stockport town centre.

Stockport's transport interchange opened last year and was designed to be 'Metrolink ready'. It is thought that is where the tram line will be extended to, joining the network at the existing stop in East Didsbury.

Residents in the borough are delighted the tram is finally coming – and said it will bring huge benefits.

"I think it's a good idea, it helps people get to more places," said 23-year-old Devan Whitelock.

23-year-old Devan Whitelock said a Metrolink in Stockport was a good idea (Image - LDRS)

"I use the transport interchange every now and then for the buses, I go to Manchester quite a bit, so it would save me getting the bus or train. It's a great thing for the town."

John Holroyd, 77, added: "I'm pleased about it, I think it will bring people from Didsbury here, or help people from Stockport go to Manchester.

"I live in Heaton Mersey and take a bus to Didsbury to use the Metrolink, it's a lot better than driving on the A6, that can be really busy."

77-year-old John Holroyd said he was 'pleased' to see Metrolink coming to Stockport, saying it could see more visitors to and from Didsbury (Image - LDRS)

Mike Healey lives in Didsbury and visits Stockport with his wife Susan.

He said: "It will be a real benefit to us, it's been a long time coming, and it's great for the town too.

"It's not long to get to Stockport from us, having Metrolink in the town centre will be great."

The view from the council

Stockport council leader Mark Roberts said the announcement is a "huge moment" for both Stockport and Greater Manchester.

Last week, Cllr Roberts urged the government to 'put its money where its mouth is' so the work can get started.

That wish was granted, but it followed years of campaigning to get to this point, a project known as 'Next Stop Stockport'.

"We're absolutely delighted that the government has backed funding to bring Metrolink to Stockport – this is a huge moment for our borough and for Greater Manchester," Cllr Roberts said.

The new line wil offer connections to Didsbury, Manchester city centre, and more (Image - Transport for Greater Manchester)

"Stockport is the fastest-growing town in Greater Manchester, and today's decision sends a powerful signal that investment is following ambition.

"We've already delivered the award-winning, Metrolink-ready Stockport Interchange and the UK's largest town centre regeneration – now, we're ready to roll up our sleeves and get on site to deliver Metrolink."

Cllr Grace Baynham, the council's transport chief, added: "Next Stop Stockport will be transformational for Stockport's economy and our communities, but also for Greater Manchester's communities too.

"This investment is significant to scale up our success and sends a clear signal that Stockport's time is now."

Cllr Jon Byrne, shadow transport lead in Stockport council's Labour opposition group, said: "Stockport Labour and Andy Burnham have always been committed to bringing Metrolink to Stockport as an important piece of the Bee Network puzzle.

"Providing additional links to the airport, south Manchester and Trafford will support the ongoing redevelopment of our town centre and wider borough.

"We are really pleased to see this Labour Government commit to this project in its first year."

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