Traders in Boscombe have backed plans for a tram link between the seafront and shopping precinct.

Ward councillor Phil Stanley-Watts, who met traders to discuss tram transport, said: "It was agreed that a demonstration should take place in the New Year.

"A temporary track will be laid and local residents will have the chance to see how a tram system would work in Boscombe."

Cllr Stanley-Watts has called for a return to trams to ease Bournemouth's growing traffic problems and provide a new tourist attraction.

He said: "A Boscombe tram service, carrying people from the beach to the shopping area, would be the first step in restoring trams to the borough.

"All the traders who attended the meeting were in favour of tram travel, funding for the demonstration, which could last for up to a week, still has to be sorted out." Cllr Stanley-Watts, chairman of the borough's tourism and economy overview panel, hopes that the demonstration will be staged by West Midlands-based Parry People Movers Ltd.

Chief Executive John Parry told the Daily Echo: "Bournemouth would be a wonderful place for trams. The resort is crying out for a tram system which could cost less than £10 million.

"A lot of resorts, like Great Yarmouth, are looking into the possibility of providing a tram system. I would be very keen to speak to the council as long as there was both political support and private backing to champion the cause," he added.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood, who has urged town planners to consider a monorail to ease congestion, said: "We must look at ways to keep Bournemouth moving and get people out of cars.

"Otherwise it is only a matter of years before the resort is gridlocked every morning and evening."