Metro says Supertram is needed to relieve Leeds's traffic problems

City council leaders Mark Harris and Andrew Carter, along with Metro chairman Karam Hussain, are seeing transport minister Derek Twigg.

They will be asking why the government has still not come to a decision on whether the tram system can go ahead.

Ministers rejected the original tram scheme as too expensive and are now considering a cheaper alternative.

Land for tracks

Metro, which is in charge of public transport in West Yorkshire, says if Supertram is to be a built, an early decision is needed from the government.

This is because powers Metro has to buy the land needed for the tracks will expire next spring.

"Mr Twigg has confirmed that he appreciates the time constraints we face and we welcome the fact that he has stayed on into the summer recess to meet us and consider the scheme," said Councillor Harris.

"On Tuesday we will be asking for a clear explanation of why, when the Department for Transport has confirmed that Leeds has supplied all the additional information requested, a decision has not been made."

Councillor Hussain added: "Mr Twigg needs to know that Supertram has support from all quarters and has been called vital for the ongoing growth and prosperity of Leeds and West Yorkshire by local business leaders."

Metro wants the government to fund 75% of the �355m costs of the revised scheme.