UP TO 800 homes and businesses along the route of the proposed Merseytram line could be affected by compulsory purchase orders in order to make way for the long-awaited scheme.

Merseytravel has issued notices to householders and landowners warning them that they may need to acquire their land and properties in a bid to ensure the £450m project is not derailed.

The notices had to be issued by yesterday’s deadline or the transport authority would lose its planning consent for the scheme.

Private houses, gardens, pubs and other land lie in the path of the proposed tramline, to run between Liverpool and Knowsley.

Merseytravel said it was crucial to issue the notices in order to “protect the route” so the project can commence if and when funding is secured.

But it is keen to stress to homeowners and businesses along the desired route that issue of the notices does not mean Merseytravel will immediately purchase the assets.

It is understood that, while some entire properties will have to make way for the scheme, others may only have to forfeit part of their land for the installation of electrics and cabling needed to power the line.

Politicians welcomed the news and said it was a move in the right direction for a scheme which has suffered a number of setbacks along the way.

Liverpool Labour group leader Cllr Joe Anderson – a major backer of the project – said residents should not be alarmed to receive the notices.

He added: “There will be plenty of time for people to enter into discussion with them and I’m fairly sure they can raise any objections.

“They’ve done this to meet their statutory obligations, but it does not mean anyone will be forced to give up their properties or not have the chance to raise issues.