A PLETHORA of complaints from passengers, as reported by the Bury Times led Bury Council chiefs to meet Metrolink's operating companies Serco and Altram.

Council leader Derek Boden described the discussions at Bury town hall as "full and frank" and is optimistic that Metrolink is back on track.

Councillor Boden said people had complained about the service's reliability, over-crowding and stations.

"However, during our meeting, the companies were at pains to let us know that they are listening to their customers and want to make improvements," he said.

"These are under way and while some will be apparent within weeks or months others may take one or even two years."

Coun Boden added: "Metrolink's operators have made it clear that the question of reliability has been tackled and having gone through a bad patch they are already back up to a 98 per cent efficiency." Stations on the Bury to Manchester line are to be upgraded, and Metrolink are hoping to receive an advance on the Government cash to build Phase 3, which would pay to put more trams on the existing line.

"I am pleased to see that things are happening," he said. "Getting Metrolink operating as effectively as possible is essential so that the system will continue to take cars off our roads and provide a reliable and rapid transportation system."