PLANS for a tram network in Merseyside are under threat after the government said no extra cash was available for the scheme.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said Line One of the Merseytram project - from the city centre to Kirkby - had risen in cost from £225m to £325m in just over three years.

He told MPs in a written statement that he was still committed to the project, but not "at any cost" reports BBC Merseyside.