A FUNDING package of £11.6million has been unveiled by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps for the Metrolink.

But the financial support, backdated to the start of the coronavirus crisis and equating to just under £1million per week, could run out by the middle of June.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has already signalled that the system, which connects Oldham to Manchester via Chadderton and Failsworth, and has several other lines, may have to be suspended without additional assistance.

With only key workers being advised to use the network, if they have no other transport options, passenger numbers have dwindled significantly.

Announcing the funding, as part of a wider £30million package for similar light rail schemes across the UK, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The best way to stop the spread of the virus and protect the NHS is to stay at home – but protecting key transport services is vital to enable essential travel.

“Manchester Metrolink continues to provide the Greater Manchester area with an essential transport lifeline even through this time of national crisis.

"It plays a crucial role in getting NHS staff and emergency services to work - and it is only right that we offer operators support during this time of national crisis.

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“This package of support will help ensure light rail services continue to operate at this difficult time.”