Calls grow to extend Metro system to Doxford Park

Liberal Democrats have backed calls to extend the Metro system in Sunderland to Doxford Park to help tackle “parking chaos” in the area.

In recent weeks, it was revealed that North East leaders are making a case to government to widen the Tyne and Wear Metro network.

A draft letter from Coun Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council and chairman of the North East Joint Transport Committee (JTC), sets out a vision for the region, which includes the network stretching out into the West End of Newcastle and across to the Metrocentre and Team Valley.

For Sunderland, the proposals include expanding services to Washington and south to Seaham and Doxford Park.

Liberal Democrat campaigner, Heather Fagan, has backed the bid for new Metro services, which she argues would tackle congestion and parking issues in Doxford.

“For years residents in Moorside and Doxford surrounding the business park have been trapped in parking chaos and traffic hell,” she said.

“Extending the Metro to Doxford would massively help with these problems affecting our community and give people an environmentallyfriendly way to get to and from work.”

Cabinet member for environment and transport on Sunderland City Council, Coun Amy Wilson, said: “As a council, we want to see more investment in not just Doxford but all our city’s transport links, this includes a major upgrade to the Durham East Coast rail line, our new Central Railway Station, all of our Metro links, and all of our bus services.

“The council is working closely with its transport partners across the region to lobby and bring more investment into our transport networks.”