KNUTSFORD rail users will continue to experience a crowded commute after a transport body revealed it has scrapped a proposed tram-train link to the town.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) rejected the proposals on Friday, reporting that extending an Altrincham tram-train service to Hale and Knutsford would lead to reduced value for money.

However, John Oates, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association, told the Guardian he was extremely disappointed by the decision.

“The decision taken by TfGM is very bad news for Knutsford,” he said.

“Knutsford desperately needs another option to get people moving.

“The current morning peak service of only one direct train per hour, to and from Manchester, is quite unacceptable. Even more so on the service from Manchester to Knutsford, where the train arriving at 8am is sometimes so full passengers are left behind at intermediate stations.”

Mr Oates also questioned the reported cost of extending the link, which was estimated at £160m.

“It is around seven miles from Navigation Road to Knutsford.

“£160m seems incredibly high, especially when compared to other proposals, such as the electrification from Leeds through Harrogate which is costed at only £94m and that’s for 37 miles.”

Clr Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “Since April 2012, work has been carried out to consider the feasibility, costs and benefits of several tram-train routes for Greater Manchester.

“This work initially found the capital and operating costs of an extension to Knutsford were too high, especially when compared to other potential routes.”

What do you think? Does Knutsford need better transport links? Email yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk.