An attack on controversial plans for Public Private Partnership for the London Underground is to be debated by Bromley councillors.

At a meeting of the environmental services committee, a motion suggesting the council formally oppose the Government's plans provoked prolonged debate and was referred to the full council meeting on January 7.

Research by council officers indicated 20 per cent of Bromley's working population use the tube every day in central London. Liberal Democrat councillor Geoff Gostt, who proposed the motion, says he feels all London boroughs should be taking an active interest in what happens to it.

He said: "Even though Bromley residents travel into London over land, many also use the tube. After what happened with Railtrack, I think we have to make sure people can feel safe and confident in the tube.

"London Underground is unique and I think it should stay that way, rather than being broken up into different companies."

Tory councillors proposed an amended motion suggesting that, whatever the decision was about funding the tube, the priority for Bromley residents was improvements should come as soon as possible.

A full debate will be held in January.