Mini-trams could find a permanent home in Bradford after hundreds of people said they wanted them back.

Transport chiefs are to seek talks with Government officers about funding the system which was on trial for six weeks in the city last year.

Bradford Council, the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, Bradford's First bus company and Minitram Systems Ltd - which supplied the test tram - are looking at how it can be brought back.

The aim would be to have the system running when the £300 million Broadway shopping centre opens in 2008.

The partnership is also looking at routes, vehicle types and specifications, boarding platforms, long-term sustainability and a timetable for development and implementation.

More than 1,400 people used the mini-tram during its 35 day trial. Almost 200 responses were collected in a public consultation exercise.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, said: "We were very pleased with the way the public took to the mini-tram and from the consultation we have received, there is a generally high level of support to introduce a permanent service. We will be looking at the options available to us."

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney welcomed the project but he added the routes around the city needed to be more ambitious than those provided in the trial. He said there was provision in the West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan which received Government funding for a scheme to be financed if it proved feasible.

The trams cruised along streets between the Interchange and Forster Square during its trial.

The busiest time was on Saturdays when it was used by an average of 90 people a day.

Shoppers said they were delighted with the trip but wanted to go further up Darley Street.

A spokesman from the Government office in the region said: "We will be happy to meet them to discuss any plans they may have for mini trams."