A coalition of residents from across the city-region has been launched to campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote in the public transport referendum in December.

The campaign - GO! Greater Manchester - started on the social networking site Facebook and has now grown to more than 1,400 members.

Founder and local resident Kevin Peel said: “The Facebook group started to counter the spin and propaganda being spouted by the Isle of Man-based Peel Holdings and their big money friends. We wanted to create a place on Facebook where ordinary people could find out the facts for themselves and make up their own minds.

“After a referendum was announced, we grew into a coalition of residents from all over Greater Manchester, drawn from every walk of life, who are supporting the ‘Yes’ campaign.

“Every borough is now represented in our group – and we have pulled together a formidable range of skills from local people. We all care passionately about the future of our region and want to see our public transport system improved.

“We are the local voice of the silent majority who want more trams, more buses, more trains, more cycle paths, less congestion on our roads - and a better environment.

“The Transport Innovation Fund means £3 billion investment in public transport for Greater Manchester and a peak time, one way only congestion charge, which 9 out of 10 people will not pay. Local people are saying a decisive ‘Yes’ to that.”

Kevin added: “We are a small, independent grassroots campaign with local knowledge and experience. We are supporting the ‘Yes’ campaign wholeheartedly.

“We have a huge fight on against Peel, owners of the Trafford Centre, with their big money battalions. We know it’s a bit of a ‘David and Goliath’ battle, but we have right on our side and local people are joining the campaign all the time.”

GO! Greater Manchester has already held an inaugural public meeting, is planning a series of public events and stunts and has now started our own web site where people can show their support for the ‘Yes’ campaign.