Blackpool’s Tramtown visitor attraction has been closed for the past couple of weeks because of an electrical fault, but should be able to open again in the future after funding was given to repair this issue.
Tramtown last opened on Saturday 24th January but following that the electrical fault was identified and it has been closed since. Initially no public reason was given for its closure but it was later confirmed that it was down to an electrical fault, although no plan for repairs was announced.
But Chris Webb MP (Labour, Blackpool South) has now provided £50,000 worth of funding from the Pride of Place Fund which will allow the fault to be repaired.
Tramtown Volunteer Coordinator Cllr Paul Gallery (Conservative, Anchorsholme) has also said in a statement that this is just the first step towards securing the future of the attraction. This will include it becoming part of the Blackpool Heritage Museum Trust charity (who were involved in the creation and opening of Showtown in the centre of Blackpool).
The Charity Commission for England and Wales website says that the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust’s purpose is “To promote the education of the public in relation to the history of Blackpool by the operation, maintenance and preservation of a museum in Blackpool known as ‘Showtown: the museum of fun and entertainment’. To promote the history and heritage of Blackpool and the maintenance and preservation of the Blackpool heritage collections.”
The charitable objects are also given as: “The charity’s objects are specifically restricted to the following:- 3.1 to promote the education of the public in relation to the history of Blackpool principally, but not exclusively, by: 3.1.1 the operation, maintenance and preservation of a museum in Blackpool known as ‘Showtown: the museum of fun and entertainment’; 3.1.2 the operation, maintenance and preservation of heritage transportation; and 3.1.3 the delivery of associated facilities and engagement programmes, fostering knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the history and heritage of Blackpool and the maintenance and preservation of the Blackpool heritage collections.”
It is also said to be eight days overdue in charity reporting.