Tram network could extend to Gedling

Nottingham's tram network was last extended a decade ago

A feasibility study has been commissioned to explore extending Nottingham's tram network, it has been confirmed.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) approved £300,000 to fund the study at a board meeting on Monday.

The BBC understands Gedling is among three locations identified as potential candidates for an extension.

A major housing development at Fairham Pastures, near Clifton, is also being considered along with a potential development on the site of Chetwynd Barracks in Chilwell.

Claire Ward said an extension is "definitely not something that can happen overnight"

Regional mayor Claire Ward said she has had "lots of conversations" about tram extensions.

"We know that tram extensions are a really big investment and they also take a long time, so we've committed £300,000 for a feasibility study to look at some of those options and to just give us more information," she said.

The network started operating in 2004, with the first line linking Hucknall and Phoenix Park to the city centre.

It was last expanded in 2015 with two further lines to Toton and Clifton.

Ward added: "Ultimately it has to be a viable option, and we won't know whether it is or whether any of those are options until we've had some feasibility work done."

She added that EMCCA will not take on responsibility for the tram network until 2034.