A light rail or tram system could be built as an alternative to the Metropolitan Line Extension.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, has announced that he is in discussions to look at alternative ways to create a transport link from Croxley to Watford Junction.

The project hit a major setback at the beginning of this year when Mayor of London Sadiq Khan halted the plans citing rising costs, despite Watford MP Richard Harrington offering £73 million to make the project work.

A Works Act which enables work to take place on the extension runs out this August.

If work has not begun, a new act must be applied for.

The project, which is to extend the Metropolitan line to serve Watford High Street and Watford Junction, and create two new stations at Cassiobridge and Vicarage Road appears to have stalled, but Mayor Taylor says it is “important” to continue looking at alternative schemes such as a tram or light rail system. A rapid bus transit scheme has also been discussed.

He said: “With Sadiq Khan’s decision in January to back out of the scheme, it’s important we look for other options.

“I have already started to set up meetings with the Department of Transport and with TfL to look at the possibility of bringing a light rail alternative.”

Hertfordshire County Council has pledged to continue working with the council to move the project forward. Council leader Cllr David Williams said: “The county council will continue to work with Watford Borough Council, the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, local MP Richard Harrington and central government to try and find a way to move the project forward.

“At the same time we are working with those organisations to consider what potential transport opportunities or options there might be should the current line extension not go ahead.”

TfL said it is also willing to work with all parties to find a solution.

This news comes as a Freedom of Information request revealed that almost £1.5m of Section 106 money has been spent on the Met Line Extension since 2012.

Section 106 monies is money from developers which is used to help support community and social infrastructure which has come as a result of development.