Latest news with #BlackpoolTransportServices
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Heritage trams to return to Blackpool promenade
Heritage trams are on track to reappear along Blackpool promenade later this year, the town's council has said. The old tram service was suspended in December 2024 because it was hard to run them alongside the modern fleet. Issues included a lack of depot space as well as safety and maintenance conflicts. Blackpool Council said it had agreed to undertake a "programme of works" with Blackpool Transport Services to allow the heritage trams to run out of the Starr Gate Depot again in time for October half-term's Lightpool Festival. Council leader Lynn Williams said: "I know many people have been concerned about the future of the trams and I hope this reassures them that their future is safe." She added: "I am delighted that a solution has been found that will enable these much-loved trams to be back where they belong on the promenade later this year." The Lightpool festival, which runs from 15 October to 1 November, is set to feature a series of light installations, live performances and 3D projection shows. Visitors and locals alike will be able to book tours on two "illuminated trams" - the Western Train and the Frigate - as well as on the Balloon tram. The heritage trams will then continue running for the rest of the Blackpool Illuminations season, which ends in January 2026. Blackpool Transport Services managing director Jane Cole said: "I am confident the plan we agreed is achievable and I look forward to welcoming customers back on-board in October." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Resort's free Lightpool Festival to be extended £150,000 needed for heritage trams' return New museum 'last chance' to save Blackpool's trams Blackpool Council
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Heritage trams to return to Blackpool promenade
Heritage trams are on track to reappear along Blackpool promenade later this year, the town's council has said. The old tram service was suspended in December 2024 because it was hard to run them alongside the modern fleet. Issues included a lack of depot space as well as safety and maintenance conflicts. Blackpool Council said it had agreed to undertake a "programme of works" with Blackpool Transport Services to allow the heritage trams to run out of the Starr Gate Depot again in time for October half-term's Lightpool Festival. Council leader Lynn Williams said: "I know many people have been concerned about the future of the trams and I hope this reassures them that their future is safe." She added: "I am delighted that a solution has been found that will enable these much-loved trams to be back where they belong on the promenade later this year." The Lightpool festival, which runs from 15 October to 1 November, is set to feature a series of light installations, live performances and 3D projection shows. Visitors and locals alike will be able to book tours on two "illuminated trams" - the Western Train and the Frigate - as well as on the Balloon tram. The heritage trams will then continue running for the rest of the Blackpool Illuminations season, which ends in January 2026. Blackpool Transport Services managing director Jane Cole said: "I am confident the plan we agreed is achievable and I look forward to welcoming customers back on-board in October." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Resort's free Lightpool Festival to be extended £150,000 needed for heritage trams' return New museum 'last chance' to save Blackpool's trams Blackpool Council
BBC News
23-04-2025
- BBC News
Blackpool's heritage trams 'can't return without £25,000 funding'
Transport bosses in Blackpool have warned the resort's famous heritage trams will not return to the promenade unless about £25,000 can be volunteer-led service was suspended by council-owned Blackpool Transport in December due to safety fears.A workshop has been altered to house the historical vehicles as part of the Tramtown exhibition head of heritage at Blackpool Transport Bryan Lindop said: "At this moment we can't run any trams, we've got no income, and we need some money." 'Back on seafront' Mr Lindop said: "We need at least £25,000 to spend on various people who can do all the work that we need."He said money was needed to pay architects, for maintenance of the building, and towards the cost of securing planning Lindop added funding was needed to contribute "to the long-term plan to ensure that our tram cars survive and can go on in perpetuity", and towards "getting [the trams] back on the seafront where they belong".For the heritage trams to be able to access the Promenade, they need to also operate out of Starr Gate - the working depot at South Shore where the mainline trams are, instead of the Rigby Road depot, where they are currently housed as part of the Tramtown visitor Council said: "We are working with Blackpool Transport Services on a solution that would aim to see the heritage trams return as a feature during the Lightpool festival. "In order for the trams to operate solely from Starr Gate depot, complex operational issues need to be overcome." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
