Details of a 'Supertram' scheme which formed part of Kirklees Conservatives' future vision for the area have been released.

Their plans, based on extensions to the existing West Yorkshire tram plans stretching to Gildersome, involve linking areas of North Kirklees such as Birstall and Birkenshaw into the Supertram scheme and subsequently linking these to Bradford and Huddersfield.

Loops would be incorporated linking Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Dewsbury, Batley and Mirfield into the network.

The Tories claim the scheme will link outlying areas of Kirklees to major centres such as Bradford and Huddersfield and complement re-prioritised bus and rail networks in Kirklees.

They say the proposals will also offer a viable transport alternative to the car and will make inter-district travel a reality.

Long term proposals include improving links with major airports like Manchester, Leeds/Bradford and Doncaster. Funding would come through Government capital allocations, the EU and the WYPTE.

Kirklees Tory Party leader Robert Light said: "Kirklees has long suffered from a lack of identity, and the only way to improve this situation is to have a proper transport network linking the area in a more sensible way.

"There has been no real investment in the area's transport network since the M62. Unless our transport system is improved, West Yorkshire will grind to a halt."

Councillor Andrew Palfreeman (Con, Birstall & Birkenshaw) added: "Supertram-style systems are seen as the way forward for major conurbations such as Manchester and Sheffield.''