Gedling Borough Council contribute to study looking at extending tram network to Netherfield and Gedling Country Park

Gedling Borough Council has contributed £50,000 to a study looking into extending the tram network to Netherfield and Gedling Country Park it has been revealed.

Nottingham City Council is currently looking into a plan which could see the tram lines extended, and possibly even new lines added.

Now, it has emerged that Gedling council contributed cash to the study, along with Rushcliffe Borough Council, which contributed £10,000.

The study, which is being led by the city council, will look at potential new routes, with one priority being an extension from Clifton to the new 3,000-home development on land off the A453, in Rushcliffe.

Cllr John Clarke, the leader of Gedling Borough Council, has said previously that the tram network should use the ‘mineral lines’, which were once used as train lines to transport coal from pits.

He said the tram could extend along the lines – which would lower the initial cost – to Gedling Country Park, where a park and ride could be built.

A spokesman for Gedling Borough Council confirmed the spend.

He said: “Gedling Borough Council is very supportive of the plans to extend the tram network and has contributed £50,000 towards the study.

“We want to see the trams extended to this region and see improved transports links with the city.

“This feasibility study could open up some fantastic opportunities and we will make sure that our residents are treated as a priority when any plans are drawn out.”

Speaking after the feasibility study was made public, the leader of Nottingham City Council said: “Nottingham’s tram network has gone from strength to strength, with the latest figures showing a significant rise in passenger numbers, and we are continuing to look at options for future extensions.

“The immediate priority is to start on an extension from the Clifton South Park and Ride to provide access ready for the 3,000 new homes and employment developments planned just outside Clifton off the A453.

“We also want to maximise the benefits of the East Midlands HS2 Hub at Toton, which we hope will include a short extension to the tram network from the stop in Toton Lane, providing access from HS2 to key destinations in the west of the city.

“This funding will pay for feasibility studies to look at these extension, and based on potential future funding we’d also like to look at longer term plans to explore extensions to Gedling Colliery, Netherfield and Gamston, allowing us to increase the tram’s reach into the east of the city.

“Together these would enable us to create an even more connected network, offering a high quality alternative to the car and further helping to reduce congestion around Greater Nottingham.”