Despite the fact it looked like this Winter would see a near full service operating on the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway it has now been revealed that from Monday 12th January 2009 trams will run only between Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham. This is due to trackwork and tram testing.
As previously reported there is to be trackwork on the Orion Curve on the approach to Cleveleys from the south. During this work trams will be unable to travel any further north than Little Bispham.
In addition Brush 636 has now returned to Blackpool from Derby where it has been fitted with top secret experimental equipment. The tram is to undergo regular tests between Starr Gate and Pleasure Beach and as such a decision has been made to close the tramway for this section meaning Pleasure Beach will be the southernmost point for service trams.
It is not known at this stage how long the trackwork and testing will be going on for and as such no date can be given for reopening, although it is expected to be complete in time for Easter 2009 (Good Friday is 10th April this year).
* At the time of writing the revised timetables have not been released on the official Blackpool Transport website but when they are they should be here.
Source: Paul Turner from Yahoo! Groups: Blackpool Transport