Trams could criss-cross Merton under proposals being backed by the Mayor of London which could see the existing network extended to Morden and from Mitcham Junction to Mitcham town centre.

The extensions to the Wimbledon-Croydon Tramlink are on a six-route short-list, which includes a new route from Sutton to Wimbledon and Sutton to Tooting being looked at by Transport for London. They are identified in Ken Livingstone's draft London plan as a means of regenerating pockets of deprivation. Merton Council reiterated its support for improved transport links after May's local elections.

Ken Livingstone's plan also proposes that South London should accommodate 57,000 new homes and around 51,000 jobs by 2016.

Mr Livingstone said: "My draft London plan aims to ensure that growth within the area sustains the strong economy but also benefits those well off areas."

The extension proposals which are envisaged to be funded by a private finance initiative along the lines of the present Tramlink are now being considered for development and evaluation, the results of which should be ready by late summer, but a TfL spokesman conceded that it will probably be into the next decade before they are implemented.

Wimbledon MP Roger Casale has called for a wide-ranging debate on the draft plan and is working with Wimbledon Civic Forum to draw up a response.

A copy of the draft plan is available on www.london.

gov.uk. The formal consultation period wil last until September 30.

July 10, 2002 11:00