BLACKPOOL'S bid to save its ailing tram system comes under the spotlight in a TV documentary tonight - and the north west is backing the resort's bid for Government funding.

73 per cent of respondents to a poll carried out by Vision 21 for Granada TV's 2004 programme backed a bid for a multi-million pound upgrade, rejected by the Government in June.

There are fears that the increasingly obsolete tram system may have to close within a decade unless substantial investment is found to bring it up to modern light rail standards.

The programme looks at the rejection of funding for the upgrade, as well as the disappointment in Manchester over the Government's refusal to finance a major extension of the Metrolink tram system.

The programme interviewed Blackpool South prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate, Michael Winstanley and the resort's head of New Horizons, the organisation leading Blackpool's regeneration efforts.

"My view is that because the transport system and the tram system is such a vital part of the Masterplan the government should stump up the money to upgrade it, given that they are confidently talking about improving public transport.

"It's a bit rich of them to refuse when they have found the money to give the Mayor of London an upgrade of the underground system."

Mr Haslam said: "What is crucially important for Blackpool is that refurbishment is an essential part of the Masterplan proposals, has been a central plank of our five-year transport plan for the town and is an important part of our local plan and is supported by Blackpool in its widest community sense."

Mr Haslam says the council and its partners are working together to take a new bid to Government and added: "We are not going to take no for an answer. The tram is quintessentially Blackpool and an integral part of the Blackpool experience and a crucial part of the public transport network. We will find a way and convince the Government it represents value for money."

2004 presenter, Tony Morris, said: "The programme looks at the North/South divide. It's been getting wider and wider for 40 years.

"I think the Metrolink decision has been the catalyst for the people of the north west to stand up and shout. This far and no further! We've had enough of London getting all the cream."

The programme also features an interview with transport secretary, Alistair Darling, and a feature by Channel 4 business reporter, Faisal Islam, on the problems with Britain's political system.

2004 is broadcast tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm on ITV One.