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

Council leader Mark Harris and Metro chairman Karam Hussain met transport minister Derek Twigg on Tuesday.

Mr Twigg asked for more details on the local funding that will help finance the tram system and a review of other transport options for Leeds.

Mr Harris and Mr Hussain said they were disappointed a Supertram decision will not be made until at least September.

The Supertram team in Leeds has been pressing for an early decision as powers to buy land needed for the tracks will soon expire.

What more do they expect from the city? Ian Williams Leeds Chamber of Commerce

"I am deeply disappointed that at this stage the transport minister was still not able to give us the go-ahead for Supertram and in fact asked us to consider alternative proposals", said Mr Harris.

"However, Mr Twigg clearly understands the tight time constraints now facing the scheme and his department will be working with us over the summer recess to ensure that this latest work is completed by September."

Leeds Chamber of Commerce has also expressed disappointment that the government wants Leeds to consider other options such as extending the guided bus network.

"The preliminary work on the future transport needs of the ciity was originally undertaken in 1990s and a Supertram scheme was identified as the most effective and efficient way of creating extra capacity in the local transport network," said the chamber's director of policy Ian Williams.

"Since then the city has responded to all the questions which have been asked of the project and we have reduced the funding requirements needed for the scheme.

"What more do they expect from the city?"

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