“Merseytravel had to lodge these notices by a certain date and it means from Liverpool and Knowsley, indeed Merseyside’s point of view, the tram is still very much alive.”

The ambitious plan was also given a boost before Christmas when a Labour motion calling for it to be a priority transport scheme for the North-West was carried by 75 out of 90 votes.

A Merseytravel spokesperson said: “Merseytravel remains committed to Merseytram and is working with our City Region partners and other stakeholders towards securing the funding needed to make it a reality.

“In the meantime, Merseytravel is taking whatever steps are needed to protect the route and alignment so that Merseytram can be implemented when funding has been secured.

“Those steps include using the powers in the Merseytram order to compulsorily acquire land and rights over land needed for Merseytram.

“The Notices to Treat recently served start this process of acquisition. Service of a notice does not result in the immediate purchase of the land or rights described in it.

“Rather, it starts a process between Merseytravel and the recipient which will lead either to the acquisition of the land or the withdrawal of the notice.”

Last month, Merseytravel began work on a 600-car park and ride scheme in Gilmoss in order to ensure it kept its rights to build the line.