BOLTON MP David Crausby has joined other Manchester politicians to demand the Government reinstates plans to extend the Metrolink tram system.

Mr Crausby met MPs, councillors and members of Greater Manchester Transport Executive in Manchesterto discuss ways to fight Taansport Secretary Alistair Darling's decision to stop the £400 million expansion scheme.

Mr Darling decided in July that the scheme would not be given the go ahead by the Government.

The Bolton North East MP said the expansion of the Metrolink was crucial to the development of the public transport network across Greater Manchester and Bolton.

He believes the expansion of Metrolink is important to Bolton if the town was to have any chance of having a Metrolink system running to the town.

The MPs plan to lobby the Government when they return to the House of Commons next week.

"It's essential that the Metrolink system is extended and the Government rethink their decision," said Mr Crausby. "There is no question of the success of Metrolink in Greater Manchester.

"It's been a credible example of the success of light railway as a environmentally friendly mode of transport.

"If the expansion does not go ahead, towns like Bolton will have no chance of having a tram system.

"We will ask Tony Blair and the rest of the Government to rethink their decision."