Costs have risen since the scheme was approved in 2002

Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseyside Travel, said he hoped the meeting would mobilise support.

He said leaders would also be looking to Europe and the private sector as sources for alternative funding.

The scheme faces the axe after Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said he would not cover rising costs.

The total bill for Line One of the project - from Liverpool city centre to Kirby - has increased to �325m from �225m.

The government had originally agreed to pay �170m in 2002 but was now being asked to find �238m.

But project leaders have questioned his figures, saying they did not take account of rising prices and inflation.

Mr Darling told MPs, in a written statement last Monday, that he was still committed to Merseytram but "not at any cost".