A NEW generation of supertrams could soon be appearing in a North-East town.

An unnamed private company has expressed serious interest in developing a light-rail tramway system across Middlesbrough, the district council said yesterday.

Mayor Ray Mallon said that he wanted everyone in the town to consider the opportunities such a system could bring in opening up jobs, encouraging new investment and reducing traffic pollution.

"I have to stress from the outset, that this will be a privately run system, not a council venture. There will be no cost to the council taxpayer," he said.

"Many factors, chiefly whether the system is commercially viable, will determine whether a tramway comes to Middlesbrough, but the fact this is being seriously considered is a massive vote of confidence in the town and its people.

"The fact that a single tram can replace a traffic jam at least a quarter-of-a-mile long is some indication of the impact this mode of transport can have on congestion and pollution. It can help us unlock some of Middlesbrough's potential by providing a viable alternative to cars.''

He added: "I believe this development could play a major role in the regeneration of Middlesbrough."

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar said: "Trams are now a familiar part of the street scene in almost every European city and are now running on a well established basis in British cities such as Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Croydon.''

Former Cleveland County Council planning chairman David Walsh said a light rail transport system should link all of Teesside, not be solely confined to Middlesbrough, something he has campaigned for decades to see.

"It is the best direct way of linking people without jobs to where the jobs area," he said.