THE on-off saga of Merseytram finally appeared to be heading for a positive conclusion last night - against all the odds.
Senior Liverpool councillors said a deal to allow work to start on the £300m project was "tantalisingly close". The city's Cabinet is expected to approve the deal as early as November 4.
There is no doubt the ruling Lib-Dem group in the city has now swung firmly behind a project which appeared dead just weeks ago.
The last remaining piece of the jigsaw requires Liverpool and Knowsley to underwrite a £25m contingency fund to cover any cost increases, though it is hoped it will never be needed.
Knowsley has always been seen as amenable to that but Liverpool has been the sticking point.
Council officers have expressed concern about the impact of any cost increases on the council tax but councillors now seem convinced the project has a bright future.
Liverpool council leader Mike Storey yesterday wrote to David Wade-Smith, chairman of the city's Chamber of Commerce and a key voice of support for the tram.
In his letter, seen by the Daily Post, Cllr Storey expresses his continued support for the 11-mile route from Kings Dock to Kirkby.
Cllr Storey said: "I share your determination to see this project come to a successful conclusion.
"It is hugely important to Liverpool and Merseyside and will be yet another sign of the continued regeneration of this city. Many deprived communities will be able to access cheap efficient transport and it will transform their communities and their lives as well.
News RSS Feed