The tram will be extended to the east and west of the city

A second round of consultation involving people and businesses closely affected by the planned extensions has been launched.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (SYPTA) is proposing to extend the Supertram out as far as Rotherham and lengthen west Sheffield routes.

It hopes the expansion from Ranmoor to Rotherham Parkgate, and from Dore to Hellaby will play a part in the economic regeneration of Rotherham while easing congestion in areas of Sheffield.

But John Hoare, chair of the transport authority, said a final decision on the routes had yet to be made.

"I can assure everyone that any and all decisions about route alignments and stop location will not be made before this round of consultation is finished.

"Any extension will still be dependent on obtaining the necessary funding from Government and other sources, and the outcome of a public inquiry."

He added: "So everything really does depend on what people tell us they want."

A series of public exhibitions is planned throughout the autumn to allow people to familiarise themselves with the proposals.