A NEW tram line could connect Bury with towns across Greater Manchester and end up at Manchester Airport.

The idea has been mooted by politicians in a bid to connect more parts of north and east Manchester and help people get to and from work by public transport.

But the project could prove too expensive and pose engineering pitfalls.

Transport bosses have said any idea for major public transport infrastructure investment must be considered on its merits.

The plan was suggested by Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon as he believes there is a 'north/south divide' in Greater Manchester, with the south enjoying better public transport links.

In the House of Commons, Mr McMajon said: "Continued expansion of the Metrolink system will certainly accelerate economic growth.

"We must also push for cross-borough expansion."

Mr McMahon wants a new Metrolink line going from Bury to Heaton Park on the existing tram line and then to Middleton, Chadderton and Oldham on a new roadside track.

The service would go to Ashton-under-Lyne, where the tram could join a rail line to Stalybridge and onto Stockport.

Finally, the line would head to Manchester Airport via Styal.

An even more ambitious version of the plan would involve turning it into a 'loop route' with trams continuing from the airport via Altrincham and then back to Bury via the existing Metrolink line through Manchester city centre.

Stockport Council leader Sue Derbyshire backed the idea.

She said: "We feel there is real value in being able to link people to their jobs.

"Orbital routes which run through to the airport would increase the choice of public transport in Stockport and wider areas have."

The biggest challenge would be running a track towards Stockport, either via the existing Stockport Viaduct, which is crowded, or via an new bridge over the M60.

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesman said: "Prioritising investment in such projects is based on a scheme's ability to deliver clear economic and social benefits aligned to its affordable and sufficient funding being in place.

"Any decision to progress with such projects ultimately rests with Greater Manchester Combined Authority."