 Jeff Owen hosted the meeting |
Council leaders and politicians have been questioned about plans to build a new tram line through part of Nottingham. A public meeting organised by BBC Radio Nottingham on Wednesday night was attended by 170 people on both sides of the debate.
The evening, hosted by radio presenter Jeff Owen, included a number of passionate clashes between supporters and opponents of the plan.
Line Three, between the city and Chilwell, is one of two routes proposed for phase two of Nottingham Express Transit (NET).
The first line, between the city and Hucknall, opened earlier this year.
One down and two to go - see all three tram routes. 
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Labour MP for Broxtowe, Nick Palmer, one of the meeting's panellists, said he supported the principle of a tram system but did not agree with the route for Line Three.
He said: "We need a good public transport network in Nottingham and it's obviously going to be the tram.
"It's unlikely and undesirable that we keep it out of Beeston and Chilwell."
However Mr Palmer said some residents were being forced into "sacrifices we should not be asking them to make" and a better route was needed.
This view was echoed by fellow panellist, Nottinghamshire County Council leader Mick Warner.
 The audience put questions to the panel |
However his fellow councillor, Martin Brandon-Bravo, a former Conservative MP, described this stance as "a cop out".
He said: "We've reached the point where for �550 million I think our professionals locally could give us a better integrated transport system than three lousy tram lines."
Another panellist, Nottingham City Council member John Taylor, supported the plans despite protests from sections of the audience.
He said the route's success required it to pass "major trip generators", such as the University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre and district centres.
 |  I'm concerned about the immense cost  |
Derek Clack, from the Beeston and Chilwell Business and Residents Association, opposed the tram scheme.
He said: "I'm not convinced of the need for the tram.
"I am not convinced about the route and I'm concerned about the immense cost."
Other issues raised during the debate included the possible impact on traffic, business and the environment.
A public inquiry is to be held next year before the government makes a final decision about phase two of NET.
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