Darling pushed for tram decision

Supertram would link the city centre with the suburbs

A Leeds MP has urged the Secretary of State for Transport to make a statement on the future of the city's Supertram.

In a Commons motion, Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland calls on the government to end the uncertainty and announce its funding for the plans.

The Liberal Democrat said support for the scheme is overwhelming.

The government suspended it in 2004 after costs spiralled and is looking at revised plans. Transport secretary Alistair Darling has not commented.

Mr Mulholland said he hoped Mr Darling would make a positive statement on the scheme by the end of the week.

Three routes

"Leeds is the fastest growing city in the country and needs a modern and efficient public transport system including the Supertram," he said.

Three Supertram routes are planned, running into the east, south and north of Leeds.

Metro, the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, wants the Department for Transport to fund 75% of the �355m costs of the revised scheme.

Supporters of the project are worried if a decision is not made soon it will be too late as compulsory purchase powers to buy the land needed for the project expire in March 2006.

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