A HUGE cash injection for Manchester’s tram network should be seized upon to lever funding for the Liverpool region's own light rail ambitions, Mersey politicians said last night.

The Department for Transport yesterday gave the green light for £120m to be invested in two extensions totalling 8.4km into the Greater Manchester suburbs.

But critics also hit out at the announcement, saying it was a cynical Labour ploy to win votes ahead of the General Election.

Merseytravel chair Cllr Mark Dowd said he was “dismayed” Manchester is getting more investment before Liverpool has raised even enough money to break ground on its plans.

And council leader Cllr Warren Bradley described the move as “an absolute disgrace . . . political posturing”.

Cllr Dowd told the Daily Post: “I’m always delighted when people get extensions to their rail or tram networks. But the thing about it is, I want to know ‘where’s ours’?

“We’re up and down to London trying to get this money for the tram. I think Manchester seems to have the ears of people.

“I’m dismayed. Manchester does seem to get the lion’s share of things.

“At the end of the day, this tram will be the biggest thing we’ve had in decades.”

Transport minister Sadiq Khan approved plans for a 4.5km Chorlton to East Didsbury extension, a 3.9km Ashton to Droylsden link, six new trams and two new park and ride sites.

The scheme will cost £170m, with £120.89m coming direct from the Government.

Merseytram collapsed in 2005 when the Government refused its £170m funding contribution for Line One at the last minute, claiming the costs had spiralled.

It was projected to cost £316m when it was scrapped, and Liverpool and Knowsley councils refused to cover any possible further cost increases. It would now cost around £450m to build.