RESIDENTS whose gardens are being pelted by stones and bottles by thugs at the troubled Freehold Metrolink stop are hoping there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Following a long running battle with anti-social behaviour on the line Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has been fighting for better security and safety measures for those subjected to a constant scourge by unruly youths.

The station, which was the scene of an horrific incident in March for which three teenagers were later charged with attempted murder, has been a magnet for crime and thuggish behaviour since opening in 2012.

Mr McMahon says he has been lobbying for action from Transport for Greater Manchester, along with local councillors and residents, to resolve the issue for several years.

Despite measures such as higher security fencing and CCTV, residents have been continually plagued by the

dangerous trend in which youths lob stones from the track and other missiles, into their gardens, making their lives a misery.

But following a their meeting, TFGM have now agreed to install mesh across the tram line to prevent youngsters from accessing the stones.

"It’s a great result for the local area and for people using the Metrolink," said Mr McMahon.

"I am glad that Transport for Greater Manchester have looked into this matter and are taking it seriously.

"The residents seem very happy with this approach and we look forward to TFGM providing us with dates and a programme of when the installation works will be carried out.

"I’d like to thank TFGM for meeting with me, as well thanking local councillors and residents who have worked hard on resolving this issue."