The trams will run from Manchester city centre to Oldham

Initial plans show the Metrolink operating on an existing railway line - avoiding the central shopping and business district.

The service is an extension of the tram service which currently runs between Bury and Manchester, with lines on to Altrincham and Eccles.

Oldham Council's Executive is calling for the plans to be altered, saying the less central route will affect business in the town.

The original plans for the Metrolink had included the more central route.

'An option'

The new plans would mean that the tram system could be put in place more quickly than originally planned.

Councillor Richard Knowles, leader of Oldham Council, said: "We want all the trams to go down Union Street in Oldham town centre, so that Metrolink will make it easier for people to get to Oldham.

"Also, for economic development purposes we have a lot brown-field sites along the route of Metrolink and so we need Metrolink alongside to help develop them."