We have another snowy photo from Fleetwood in January 1979 as part of this week’s edition of “Picture in Time”.
Although the snow has largely turned to slush, maybe the slippery conditions underfoot – as well as the chilly temperatures – help to account for the low number of passengers on board 678 as it makes its way along Lord Street heading back south to Starr Gate.
In 1979 Fleetwood Town Centre – or at least this part of it – was beginning to look quite run-down. Today it is smarter, though the Famous Army Stores on the corner of Mount Street have become a betting shop while the premises across the road once occupied by Taylor’s and Dewhurst’s are now a pawnshop.
678 was one of three Railcoaches which were converted as part of the Twin Car programme but did not becoming permanently coupled to their trailers. They remained used alongside the Brush Cars as single deck two crew cars and at this time were used to supplement the OMOs in operating the winter service as well as other regular summer duties. 678 would be withdrawn in 2006 and was scrapped in 2023.
Photograph by Donald Brooks, 29th January 1979