THE idea of a Metro-style rapid tram system right across East Lancashire did seem like a little more than a dream when it was first mooted almost six years ago.

The number of different towns and communities that would need to be served across the region called for a highly complex network, considerable construction work and there was no clear idea where the enormous amounts of necessary cash would come from.

Now, six years on, we are told that Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council have pulled out of the project with East Lancashire Partnership into what has become little more than a pipe dream.

It's a shame that such an ambitious idea should have foundered and it is to be hoped that the money spent on research has not been wasted.

There is no doubt that the area has a real need for better public transport especially to bring people into town centres already too clogged up by cars.

Both local authorities say they are committed to working for better transport links and these efforts must continue.

More bus-only lanes are needed and there is plenty of room for improvement in our local rail services which have suffered badly over the past few years.

We need an efficient, truly integrated system that works.