Work on renovating Blackpool Brush 290 at Kirkham Prison by members of the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust in conjunction with inmates at the Prison is fast approaching completion with a move to its new temporary home next to Pleasure Beach loop expected soon.
Recent progress on the tram has seen the application of its original fleet numbers over the centre entrance and the addition of the famous “North Station Blackpool” destination on the indicators at each end. The full paint job into the special Diamond Jubilee Gold and White livery has been completed, external illuminations added and student’s artwork has been added to each saloon window. The work has been to a high standard and was recently viewed by Cabinet Minister Vince Cable on a visit to the area who was impressed by what he saw.
The Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust already have plans in place for the tram once the
Illuminations period is over at the start of November but in the meantime 290 is to play a well deserved starring role in the 2012 Blackpool Illuminations right next to where the Illumination tours will be departing from in a change to recent practice.
The latest view of 290 at Kirkham Prison showing its recently applied "North Station Blackpool" destination. (Photo courtesy of Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust)