SO LONG STARR GATE TRAM TOUR PLANNED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Thursday 27th August 2009
The Blackpool Tramway between Pleasure Beach and Starr Gate is closing for major upgrade work after Sunday 6 September, and is not due to re-open until 2012. To mark the occasion, Tramways Monthly and British Trams Online have organised a special tram tour using Fleetwood Box 40 on the final evening. This will be your last chance to ride on car 40 to Starr Gate before the closure, and possibly the last chance ever! Better still, any profits raised will be donated to the Lancastrian Transport Trust's Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund.
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PROPOSED NET STRIKE POSTPONED AFTER TALKS
Nottingham Express Transit – Thursday 27th August 2009
A strike proposed by the GMB Union on Nottingham Express Transit from 0110 on Saturday 29th to 0110 on Sunday 30th August has been postponed. The strike was due to take place after GMB members had rejected a 1% pay offer plus efficiency savings but further talks between the GMB and the Nottingham Tram Consortium have led to the postponent.
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ALTRINCHAM & ECCLES LINE WORKS ON SCHEDULE FOR REOPENING 1ST SEPTEMBER
Manchester Metrolink – Thursday 27th August 2009
Trams are due to return to the Altrincham and Eccles lines of Manchester Metrolink on Tuesday 1st September, with the work currently being undertaken on these lines on schedule to be completed in time. The lines have been closed since 1st August for work to be undertaken at stops and key junctions.
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NEW DLR TIMETABLE HASTENS SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS
Docklands Light Railway – Thursday 27th August 2009
As reported on British Trams Online last week a new timetable was introduced on the Docklands Light Railway on Monday (24th August) with the new flyunder at West India Quay being bought into use. Passengers on the network will now feel the benefits of the recent upgrade works with station waiting times reduced across much of the network.
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PLEASURE BEACH TO STARR GATE CLOSED FROM MONDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 23rd August 2009
As has been rumoured for a while the southern most section of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway between Pleasure Beach and Starr Gate is to close before the end of the 2009 season – with the last trams to run on Sunday 6th September (the first weekend of the 2009 illuminations).
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NEW DLR FLYOVER TO BE USED FROM 24TH AUGUST
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 23rd August 2009
The new flyunder track at West India Quay station will come into operation from tomorrow (Monday 24th August) with a new Docklands Light Railway service being introduced from this date as a result.
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BLACKPOOL LAUNCH TRAM DRIVER EXPERIENCE COURSES
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 23rd August 2009
Blackpool Transport have launched their first ever Tram Driver Experience courses which will enable members of the public to drive a tram along the complete length of the tramway – whilst it remains open for the next few weeks.
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JOHN BULL RETURNS TO CRICH
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 23rd August 2009
John Bull - the New South Wales Steam Tram Locomotive – has returned to Crich following its short visit to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). John Bull went back via the remainder of the Beyer Peacock works in Gorton along with the K1 Garratt (the worlds first Garratt which was built exactly 100 years ago). The loco is currently reported as being in the Workshop at Crich but is expected to be returned to its rightful place in the Exhibition Hall shortly. Photos of John Bull on its way back from Manchester can be found in the updated Gallery 191: MOSI Transport Festival August 2009.
Source: Andy Bailey

MANCHESTER METROLINK NEWS UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 23rd August 2009
1022 has been noted at the Queen’s Road Depot with coupler guards and exterior LED destination displays. Meanwhile, the works at the depot continue with the first of the new sidings now in use whilst the new section of building now has a full length inspection pit but as yet has no rails connected. Read on for a couple of photos of the works at the Depot.
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COUNCIL GIVE SUPPORT TO TIE IN THEIR DISPUTE WITH BSC
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 23rd August 2009
The City of Edinburgh Council have given full cross party support to the Edinburgh Tram Project in their formal dispute process with contactor BSC. The Chief Executive of the project, Richard Jeffrey, expressed his appreciation at the news which saw unanimous support for the decision from all parties on the Council.
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IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALTRINCHAM INTERCHANGE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 23rd August 2009
Improvements – including a new CCTV system – are being made at Altrincham Interchange, which features the railway station (including the Metrolink platform) and the adjoining bus station. The new state of the art CCTV system has already been installed at the bus station and seven cameras are to be installed on Metrolink platform 1 and will be up and running by the end of the month.
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SUNDAY SERVICE FOR NET ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 23rd August 2009
A Sunday service will operate on Nottingham Express Transit on August Bank Holiday – Monday 31st August. A normal timetable will be in operation over the remainder of the Bank Holiday weekend.
Source: Nottingham Express Transit

SUPERTRAM OFFER EXTRA TRAMS FOR U2 CONCERT
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 23rd August 2009
Extra services were provided on South Yorkshire Supertram on Thursday (20th August), both before and after the U2 concert taking place at the Don Valley Stadium. In addition Attercliffe tramstop was closed from 2220 until the end of service because of safety reasons.
Source: South Yorkshire Supertram

RAIB LAUNCH INVESTIGATION INTO NORBRECK PEDESTRIAN STRIKE INCIDENT
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 23rd August 2009
The RAIB have launched an investigation into the incident on Wednesday 5th August 2009 at Norbreck which saw an elderly woman severely injured after being hit by a tram. Preliminary examinations by the RAIB indicate that the condition of the tram and the track did not contribute to the accident and they will now conduct a full investigation to conclude the reasons for it.
Source: RAIB

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND DURING EDINBURGH UTILITY DIVERSION WORK
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 23rd August 2009
Human remains have been discovered by workers involved in the utility diversion works on Elm Row near to Leith Walk. Archaeologists have found ten bodies in the vicinity and it is believed that they are linked to a medieval leper hospital at the Carmelite Priory, which dates to 1591.
Source: Edinburgh Tram Project

WORK PROGRESS ON MEDIACITY:UK METROLINK EXTENSION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 16th August 2009
Work on the short spur extension to MediaCity:UK on the Eccles branch of Manchester Metrolink is progressing well enough for a leading members of the GMITA to visit to have a tour. The foundations of the new route have been laid and work to weld the track together and fasten them to concrete slabs is underway, ahead of them being put in place.
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TRAM PROJECT MAY GO OVER BUDGET & NOT BE READY UNTIL 2013 AS TIE & BILFINGER BERGER RENEW THEIR DISPUTE
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 16th August 2009
A report to the City of Edinburgh Council, due to be presented this week, states that the project to bring trams may go over budget, that it may not open to 2013 and that parts of the initial line may not be opened at all. These statements come as it has also been confirmed that tie have started formal contractual dispute resolution with the BSC consortium over continuing disagreements to do with the project amid claims that Bilfinger Berger (the construction part of the consortium) underestimated the cost and are looking to either cover their costs or find a way out of the contract.
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NEW STOP FOR TRAMLINK
London Tramlink – Sunday 16th August 2009
A new tramstop has been opened on the Tramlink network, but it is only due to be in place for approximately three weeks whilst East Croydon stop is shut during major trackwork. The new stop is located at Dingwall Road and has been installed to aid passengers who would otherwise have to use Wellesley Road or George Street and walk to/from East Croydon.
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BOAT 600 WITHDRAWN FOR OVERHAUL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 16th August 2009
Blackpool Boat 600 was withdrawn from service after being used on specials last Sunday (9th August) for a start to be made on a major overhaul. It is expected that the tram will be completed in time to take a starring role in next year's 12th anniversary celebrations. Both 602 and 604 are believed to have been prepared in the Workshops for a return to the Operational fleet in place of 600.
Source: Yahoo! Groups: Tramgen

MANCHESTER MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY TRANSPORT FESTIVAL
Manchester Museum of Science & Industry – Sunday 16th August 2009
The Manchester Museum of Science and Industry held a Transport Festival between 8th and 16th August with two tramcars loaned to the Museum for the event - Manchester Eades Reversible Horse Tramcar L53 and John Bull - the steam tram locomotive. British Trams Online have coverage from the event with an article and a Photo Gallery provided for your enjoyment.
Click here for the Article

SECTIONS OF PRINCES STREET WORK TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN WEEKS
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 16th August 2009
It is reported that some of the work on Princes Street in Edinburgh city centre is running ahead of schedule and that some sections may be ready to be handed back to the city as early as 6th September. However, in the same Edinburgh Evening News it is reported that utility diversions in other parts of the city are running behind schedule.
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PHOTO REPORT: METROLINK CITY CENTRE TRACKWORK UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 16th August 2009
The trackwork on the City Centre sections of Manchester Metrolink is continuing with the work due to be completed in time for reopening in early November 2009. The majority of resources are currently being concentrated on the section between St Peters Square and the GMex ramp, as this part will be the first to re-open when the Altrincham and Eccles lines return to use on 1st September. Click below to view Gallery 192: Manchester Metrolink City Centre Trackwork August 2009.
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LIGHT RAIL TO CONNECT HIGH WYCOMBE & MAIDENHEAD?
Wycombe-Maidenhead – Sunday 16th August 2009
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead are reported to be considering a light rail system to link Maidenhead with High Wycombe. The line would be built on the abandoned railway between Bourne End and High Wycombe which closed in 1970. The plans are at a very early stage and would also include improvements to the existing Marlow line.
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RECORDED COMMENTARY FOR HORSE TRAM PASSENGERS?
Douglas Horse Tramway – Sunday 16th August 2009
Douglas Council are considering introducing a recorded commentary on board the horse trams to stop passengers becoming bored during the journey. If introduced, the recorded commentary would highlight points of interest such as the Tower of Refuge.
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DIDSBURY METROLINK DROP-IN EVENTS TO BE HELD
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 16th August 2009
Three drop-in events are to be held in Didsbury in mid August so people in the area will be able to find out more about plans to bring Metrolink to the town. GMPTE are currently developing proposals to build a new tram line to East Didsbury as part of the £1.5 billion Greater Manchester Transport Fund created by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities earlier this year.
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JOHN BULL MOVES TO MANCHESTER
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 9th August 2009
John Bull – the New South Wales Steam Tram Locomotive – has arrived at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) to take its part in a Transport Festival, which is taking place at the Museum from between 8th and 16th August. Manchester Eades Reversible Horse Tram L53 has also moved to MOSI for the duration of the event.
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NET STRIKE CANCELLED AT LAST MINUTE
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 9th August 2009
The second strike on the Nottingham Express Transit system which was due to take place last Monday (3rd August) was cancelled the previous day (Sunday 2nd August) after a revised offer was welcomed by the GMB Union. However, Union members have since rejected this offer leading to the threat of more strikes.
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TWO NEW STOPS APPROVED FOR BURY METROLINK LINE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th August 2009
Two new stops are to be built on the Bury line of Manchester Metrolink following the announcement of funding by the Department for Transport. The two stops will be located at Queens Road and Abraham Moss and is part of a £30 million funding announcement by the DfT allocated to transport projects to support thousands of extra homes across the country.
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NET PHASE TWO CONSTRUCTION TENDER TO BE ADVERTISED SOON
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 9th August 2009
Following last weeks news that the government had given provisional approval for phase two of Nottingham Express Transit it is expected that adverts will be placed in the Official Journal of the European Union looking for construction firms to tender.
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WORK STARTS ON CITY CENTRE TRAMSTOPS OVERHAUL
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th August 2009
Work has started on the major overhaul of two of the Manchester Metrolink city centre stops – St Peters Square and Piccadilly Gardens. £2 million is being spent on the overhauls on these stops to make sure even more people can use two of the most heavily used stops on the network.
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SECOND PHASE OF PRINCES STREET WORKS TO TAKE PLACE IN 2010
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 9th August 2009
The tram construction work on Princes Street looks set to continue into 2010 with workers due to return after Christmas with attention turned to the east end of the famous shopping street as part of the work on St Andrew Square. The news has been met with predictable anger in the Edinburgh Evening News.
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COMPLAINTS OVER METROLINK REPLACEMENT BUS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th August 2009
Commuters travelling into Manchester City Centre from Altrincham and Eccles have been complaining over the replacement bus services laid on for them whilst the Metrolink lines are closed for major upgrade work. The buses, operated by Arriva, are running around every 10 minutes but complaints have been made that the journey times have almost doubled for some passengers.
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METROLINK 3001 UPDATE & SECOND NEW TRAM ARRIVES
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th August 2009
The new Manchester Metrolink tram which arrived in July - 3001 - remains at the Queens Road Depot where it is undergoing thorough testing and commissioning work before driver training commences. This work will continue throughout the summer and autumn with the tram due to enter service by the end of the year. The second of the trams arrived at the Depot on Saturday 8th August with the coupler guards raised so no fleet number was visible. A series of photographs of the delivery are available here.
Source: GMPTE & Gordon Ferguson

DROYLSDEN METROLINK UTILITY DIVERSION WORK ON TARGET
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th August 2009
The utility diversion work on Market Street in Droylsden is reported to be on schedule with the road due to reopen to two way traffic this week. Southbound traffic has been unable to use the road since February whilst the work has been undertaken.
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METROLINK DROP IN EVENTS FOR OLDHAM
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th August 2009
There are to be two special drop-in events for the residents of Oldham on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th August to outline current and future plans to bring Metrolink to the town.
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PENSIONER HIT BY TRAM
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 9th August 2009
A pensioner was taken to hospital after being hit by a tram at Norbreck on Wednesday 5th August just before 1000. The 70 year old woman was believed to be on holiday staying at the opposite Norbreck Castle Hotel when the incident happened although no exact details of what happened have been released. She was initially taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but was later transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital with serious head and chest injuries. The tramway was closed until 1230 whilst an investigation was undertaken.
Source: Blackpool Gazette

NET PHASE TWO EDGES CLOSER TO GO-AHEAD
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 2nd August 2009
The phase two extensions to Nottingham Express Transit serving Chilwell and Beeston and Clifton have moved a step closer after a Department for Transport announcement of £530 million of government funding.
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GOVERNMENT GIVE METRO EXTENSIONS SUPPORT
Midland Metro – Sunday 2nd August 2009
The Department for Transport have given the proposed Midland Metro extensions into Birmingham and Wolverhampton city centres their support as part of the West Midlands proposals to improve transportation in the region.
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GOVERNMENT GIVE SUPPORT FOR EXTRA TRAMS FOR SHEFFIELD
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 2nd August 2009
The Department for Transport have given their support for the plans to get an extra four trams for the South Yorkshire Supertram system as outlined in the Yorkshire and Humber proposals to improve transportation in the region. As previously reported the extra trams are wanted to help alleviate overcrowding and create more capacity at peak times. In the same announcement the Leeds trolleybus scheme was given the same support and a funding bid can now be made for money to help progress with the plan.
Source: Department for Transport

NET STRIKE GOES AHEAD AS TALKS CARRY ON
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 2nd August 2009
The first strike in the five year history of Nottingham Express Transit took place on Monday 27th July after last minute talks to avert it failed. A second strike is now planned for tomorrow (Monday 3rd August) although further talks are taking place between the Nottingham Tram Consortium and the GMB Union.
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CONSTRUCTION WORK STARTS ON METROLINK CHORLTON EXTENSION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 2nd August 2009
After months of work to clear the route and install drainage the first major piece of construction work on the new Metrolink line to Chorlton is due to commence this week. Retaining walls are due to be built along the length of the former rail route and residents have been written to informing them of the work.
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NEW BLACKPOOL TRAMWAY TIMETABLE
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 2nd August 2009
The main Summer timetable commenced operation in Blackpool from Monday 20th July and is scheduled to be in operation until Sunday 8th November, thus probably making it the last timetable ever of the full length of the tramway as we know it.
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HOLT TOWN METROLINK EXTENSION WORK CONTINUES
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 2nd August 2009
Work is due to gather pace on the Metrolink extension to Holt Town this week when work starts to lay the foundations of the new tram stop. Work is due to start on the ground tomorrow (Monday 3rd August) when heavy piling rigs move in to start creating concrete retaining walls for the stop in the area between Ashton New Road, Holt Town and Cambrian Street.
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BRUSH CARS IN THE NEWS
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 2nd August 2009
Two Blackpool Brush Cars have been in the news in recent weeks – one with a brighter future and one with an unclear future. 634 is to enter preservation after a purchase by a private individual whilst 636 has returned to Derby after purchase by Stored Energy Technology.
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METRO ALTERATIONS AFTER OVERHEAD LINE WORK
Midland Metro – Sunday 2nd August 2009
Services on Midland Metro were altered on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th July because of overhead line work between Soho and Jewellery Quarter. Trams ran through to Soho to reverse wrong line and use the rarely used Winson Green crossover. Passengers changed for the trains at The Hawthorns and were generally encouraged to leave at Winson Green. Photos follow.
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NEW LIVERY FOR CENTENARY 647
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 2nd August 2009
Blackpool Centenary 647 has received an all over advert for B&M Bargains using the yellow “livery” it has carried since losing its previous all over advert as the base. Mainly blue vinyls are used and contravision does feature over several windows.
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GATESHEAD 10 SUFFERS DERAILMENT
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 2nd August 2009
Gateshead 10 suffered a minor derailment at Beamish in the late afternoon of Thursday 23rd July between the entrance stop and Foulbridge. No passengers were on board the tram at the time of the incident which is reported to have been caused by a combination of expanding rails in the warm weather and the design tendency of the tram to ride light on the leading pony wheel. 10 was rerailed the same evening and investigations have started after the RAIB were informed. Full details on the incident plus photos can be found at the link below.
Source: Beamish Transport Blog

METROLINK NEWS UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 2nd August 2009
1002 has returned to service with the coupler guards allowing universal running whilst 1018 has become the second First Series tram to receive the orange LED destination displays. 3001 is now parked out in the open at Queens Road Depot.
Source: Gordon Ferguson

ALAN CARR RADIO 2 SHOW TO BE BROADCAST FROM BLACKPOOL TRAM
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 2nd August 2009
As part of the “Big Switch On” weekend in Blackpool at the start of September it has been announced that Alan Carr will present his Saturday evening Radio 2 show from on board a tram. It would appear that the tram involved will be Frigate 736 as Carr says: “I'll be dressed as a sailor in a tram decked out as a boat for my Radio 2 show.” The Blackpool Illuminations will shine from Friday 4th September and the broadcast of the “Going Out With Alan Carr” show will be on Saturday 5th September.
Source: Blackpool Gazette

METROLINK TRACKWORK UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 2nd August 2009
The city centre trackwork is continuing and remains on target for completion by November, in the meantime no trams are running through the City Centre. The Altrincham and Eccles lines are also closed for the duration of August meaning trams are only operating Victoria-Bury.
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PLANS GO ON SHOW FOR GOGAR TRAM-TRAIN INTERCHANGE
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 2nd August 2009
Plans for the Gogar tram-train interchange have gone on show to the public for the first time. A new railway station will be constructed next to a tram stop with a raised walkway linking the two and a subway linking the station with the Gyle. It is planned that a second public exhibition on the project will take place at the Gyle Shopping Centre on 13th August between 1000 and 1700.
Source: The Scotsman

L&CBER 7 MAKES ANNUAL HAULED RUN
Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Tramway Society – Sunday 2nd August 2009
The Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Tramway Society’s replica tramcar number 7 made its annual hauled run yesterday (Saturday 1st August). This replica tram makes semi regular appearances around North Wales to raise awareness of the society and their ultimate aim to operate a tram on a short line somewhere in the vicinity. Read on for a photo.
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TFL SIGN AGREEMENT FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF WOOLWICH ARSENAL DLR STATION
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 2nd August 2009
TfL have signed a joint venture agreement with Oakmayne Properties to develop 1.5 acres of space above the new DLR station at Woolwich Arsenal and at the former DLR works site in the town centre. The developments will include residential and commercial use and is expected to add further impetus to the regeneration of Woolwich.
Source: Transport for London

WATER SWITCHED OFF AS TRAM WORKS CONTINUE
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 2nd August 2009
The water for residents and businesses on Bernard Street in Leith was due to be switched up for four to five hours today (Sunday 2nd August) as the utility diversion work in this area continues. No exact time of when the switch off would occur was revealed although it was due to be between 0800 and 2000.
Source: The Scotsman