Lib Dems slam government threat to trams

11.25.17am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 14th Jun 2005

The government's announcement that it will not meet the costs of the Merseytram line one scheme has put the future of the tram programme in Liverpool and Merseyside in doubt.

The government's refusal to fund the tram may mean no tram for Liverpool despite Labour's claim that it supports public transport initiatives.

Yesterday (13th June) Labour transport minister Alastair Darling said the government would only spend 170 million pounds, despite the fact that inflation over three years means the tram scheme needed more money. Merseytravel had applied for 204 million pounds.

Says Garston Lib Dem Paula Keaveney:

"The government's decision is a kick in the teeth for people in Liverpool. Most people do not own cars and rely on public transport. The tram scheme was intended to improve transport in our City and to help persuade fewer people to use their cars. Now it looks like the government think our needs are not important.

I hope the five Liverpool Labour MPs will lobby on our behalf to get this money back for our area - but frankly I doubt it".