A new tram service in Liverpool is expected to receive government backing.

The �170m scheme would create a 19-kilometre tram route between the Liverpool waterfront and Kirkby, through Norris Green and Croxteth.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is due to make an announcement in the Commons on Tuesday on the planned project.

If the plans go ahead, the first tram could be on the tracks by 2006.

It is the first phase of the network proposed by Merseytram, the company set up to run the system.

There are also plans to link Liverpool city centre with John Lennon Airport and Speke, and a line to Huyton and Prescot.