TRAM SHAMBLES EXPOSED - THREE YEARS LATE AND MASSIVELY OVER BUDGET

TRAM SHAMBLES EXPOSED - THREE YEARS LATE AND MASSIVELY OVER BUDGET

CITY DESERVES ANSWERS FROM LIB DEM AND LABOUR

The Edinburgh tram project has confirmed it is to be three years late and to face an "unqualified increase of cost". In a statement from Edinburgh Trams it has been confirmed that contractors do not expect to finish the project until January 2014.

Responding to the announcement Lothians MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville who has consistently questioned the progress of the tram project has called for the Lib Dem leader and Transport Convener to immediately set out what steps they are going to take to find funding for the rest of the project, to confirm whether they expect the whole line to now be finished and what steps they are going to take to bring the project under control.

Ms Somerville said:

"After years of asking when this project would be finished and what it would cost it is disappointing that we are now faced with a three year delay and an "unqualified" bill. It seems the contractors now expect Edinburgh's taxpayers to sign a blank cheque for this project.

"This is an utter disaster for the Liberal Democrats who are leading this the Council. It is time that they, and the Labour party who conceived and planned this project, stopped trying to shift the blame to contractors and accept their responsibility for what has become a blot on the city.

"It is absolutely essential that a way forward is found for this project that will bring an end to the problems facing Edinburgh transport as soon as possible. When the underground utility works are still to be completed in parts of the city it is inconceivable for anyone to now believe this project will be on time or on budget. For Leith residents it is a cruel joke to see advertising signs saying "arriving in 2012".

"In the next few weeks we must get a clear indication as to how much of the line will actually be completed and by when".