Supertram backers meet ministers in London on Monday

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is still considering a slimmed down �355m scheme submitted in November.

Public transport officials have warned that the project could be axed unless the government approves funding soon.

Metro, the West Yorkshire transport executive, said time pressures would be high on the agenda at the meeting.

Leeds City Council will lose its powers to compulsorily buy land for the project in early 2006.

The Department for Transport has said it is aware of the timetable implications but has been unable to say when a final decision on the project will be made.

The government suspended the project in July 2004 after costs spiralled to more than �500m.

A revised scheme revealed last November cut 4.5 miles from the proposed network, bringing costs close to the �355m originally pledged in 2001.

Metro wants the Department for Transport (DfT) to fund 75% of the costs.