SUNDERLAND could lose its rail link with the North-West when the Metro system is extended to Wearside.

Bosses at the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) have written to Sunderland City Council to say the extension may not be compatible with the Trans-Pennine trains, which run to Liverpool and Manchester.

The SRA, which will award the Trans-Pennine franchise, said it was "questionable" whether heavy rail trains could share a track with the Metro and has left Sunderland off the list of cities the new operator must serve.

Sunderland City Council leader, Councillor Colin Anderson, said he was angered by the news and is considering taking the issue to Transport Secretary John Prescott.

He said the council's support for the Metro link was based on it complementing existing rail services.

Steve Hoskins, SRA spokesman, said the Metro would provide an adequate link between Sunderland and Newcastle, which operates trains to the North-West.

But Coun Anderson said it would be much more inconvenient than travelling directly by main line trains.

He has written to the SRA on behalf of the council and plans to take the matter up with John Prescott if he does not receive a satisfactory reply.

Arriva of Sunderland is bidding for the franchise, along with Connex and FirstGroup.

A decision on who will win the franchise will be made next year. The £98m Metro extension is due for completion in January next year.