TODAY we reveal that plans for a tram system for Liverpool are set to return to promin-ence on the city region’s political agenda, some three years after the Merseytram project was shamefully dropped by the Government.

The extraordinary way in which Whitehall squirmed out of its commitment to support this scheme then, with the disappointing endorsement of one or two in local government circles, has been well rehearsed in our pages in the past, and now is not the moment to rake over the coals.

Suffice it to say that, had the Government given the £170m of support it had originally indicated would be available, by now we would have a functioning light rail system providing a quick, environmentally friendly and convenient loop around Liverpool city centre and a link out to Kirkby.

Today, the environmental and transport needs for such a service are greater than ever, as fuel costs soar and city visitor numbers increase.

We have learned that Merseytram is being touted as the top priority in Merseytravel’s next Local Transport Plan document, currently being discussed in draft form.

Liverpool One certainly sees the benefit, with chief executive Joanne Jennings urging the formation of a task force to ensure the tram scheme is delivered.

The cost, inevitably, has increased, from £328m when it was scrapped to an estimated £344m today. But the latest signals from the Government have been encouraging, with the important proviso that the project would need broad endorsement from the city region’s local authorities.

The city centre loop would be a fantastic asset, and the link to Kirkby could also prove invaluable, particularly if the Everton FC/Tesco development plans for the town go ahead.

If a link to John Lennon Airport could also be established, Liverpool’s public transport infrastructure would be dramatically enhanced.