FEARS have been expressed that a super tram project planned for Hampshire could devastate lively high street trade.

The light rapid transport (LRT) scheme has been hailed as an advance in modern transport, designed to be an alternative to road transport, to ease congestion, provide an integrated scheme and boost the economies of the towns it serves.

However, doubt is cast on the benefits claimed for Gosport, with claims the tram could create a ghost town by taking custom away from the centre.

Other perceived shortcomings include the apparent lack of future integration with bus services, the lack of a fourth main stop close to shops, the lack of a bicycle carrying carriage and no car parks for LRT users.

The lack of integration defeats the object of the tram to encourage people out of their cars, while the lack of a town centre stop convenient for shoppers would draw people away from Gosport to rivals Portsmouth and Fareham or Southampton.

The absence of plans to build car parks for tram users would lead to congestion in residential streets and also deter users if they could not park cars close to stops.

Criticism of the LRT scheme, as featured in the Daily Echo in March last year, pictured right, comes from many Gosport councillors, especially representatives of Bridgemary and Rowner wards, which would suffer the most from tram passengers blocking roads with cars.

Rowner Councillor Jill Wright is on the LRT consultation panel. She said: As councillor on the LRT panel I am most concerned that if the scheme goes ahead on its proposed format that the streets of Rowner and Bridgemary will be jammed with parked cars and that Gosport High Street will die.

"Gosport High Street is at its most vibrant for many years. The economic situation has helped to ensure the shops in the High Street are fully occupied for the first time in several decades. I doubt whether this will be the same if the LRT arrives in Gosport. The tram will make it easier to travel to Fareham and Portsmouth, but at the expense of Gosport. Most of the council doesn't regard LRT as the solution to Gosport's traffic problems. We're worried it could divert attention away from the real need - to improve the A32 between Gosport and Fareham.''

Hampshire County Council is promoting LRT. A spokesman said any criticism would be addressed in detailed design plans and separate transport policy if the government gave the scheme the go-ahead. A decision is expected early this year.