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| News...January 2007...News...January 2007...News...January 2007...News This Page was last updated Sunday 28 January 2007 |
| All the news carried on these pages is done so in good faith and the source is always quoted, normally with hyperlinks. If you have a correction to give us on a news story or have any additional news that can be added do not hestiate to email us . We are grateful for those people who have given us permission to use their images and news on this page. |
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For all previous news pages click here to go to the new News Index page which provides links to news dating back to September 2002. Photos on this page: A view of the Blackpool trackwork at Manchester Square on Sunday 7 January 2007 (added 14 January 2007) The original Llandudno & Colwyn Bay 7 seen in service in the town back in the 1950s (added 21 January 2007) Fire damaged Trampower tram in Blackpool (added 28 January 2007) 2 images of tram track in a bus garage in Chester(added 28 January 2007) |
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News In Brief Birkenhead: The platforms of Warrington 2 have now been fitted. Photos of the current progress on the tram can be seen at the link to the right. (28/1/07 - MTPS) Blackpool: Balloon 720 has now been stripped to a shell and returned to the main depot whilst sister 719 has now moved into the Body Shop for a start to be made on its post Walls modifications. Meanwhile, Balloon 709 is currently on the Body Lift with 712 in the Paint Shop. (28/1/07 - Paul Turner from Yahoo! Groups Blackpool_Transport) Blackpool: Steve Burd, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, had commented that he believes a positive decision on the Supertram funding will be forthcoming soon. He said: “We believe it's not a matter of 'if' any more, but 'when'." (28/1/07 - Blackpool Today) General: An online petition has been launched on the Prime Minister’s official website calling on the government to invest in more new Light Rail schemes. To sign go here. (28/1/07 - Unofficial Croydon Tramlink) Manchester: the official Metrolink website a page has appeared about the track renewals. It confirms that work should commence in May but doesn’t actually give any further information and just tells you to contact the Metrolink team at GMPTE. (28/1/07 - Metrolink) Manchester: There has been lot in the press this week about the proposed congestion charge in and around Manchester city centre – to help pay for the “Big Bang” of Metrolink. Currently there is only funding for lines to St Wedburgh’s Road, Rochdale rail station and Droylsden but other lines (to Manchester Airport, Rochdale town centre and Ashton-under-Lyne) are dependent on money from the Transport Innovation Fund, which requires some form of congestion charge. There is a significant amount of coverage on the Manchester Evening News’ website – follow the link to the right for more details. (28/1/07 - Manchester Evening News) Newcastle: It has been confirmed after three days lobbying in Westminster that the Tyne & Wear Metro system will not be extended with street trams. Ministers have made it clear that their position, the same since 2002, has not changed and money will only be made available for modernisation of the current system. (28/1/07 - icNewcastle) ------------------------------------------------- Birmingham: There is a video news report from the BBC available about the tram shortage on Midland Metro as a result of the pre-Christmas collision between two trams on the network. The report gives additional information as it shows the trams leaving the Wednesbury depot for repairs elsewhere. To view the report click here. (21/1/07) Birmingham: A second video news report has also been released on the BBC News website this week too, this one relates to doubts over the funding for the Metro extensions. It claims that the money will only come if road pricing is introduced in the West Midlands and also says that this will only happen next year – a date that Centro say could be too late. This report can be viewed here. (21/1/07) Blackpool (LTT): Standard 143 was lifted off its underframe and trucks on Tuesday 16 January with the underframe to receive new steel sections at Bowers in Derby. It is hoped to return the trucks to Blackpool Transport soon for a complete overhaul. (21/1/07 - LTT) Sheffield: A 55 year old man from Burngreave suffered a fractured skull when he was struck by a tram as he tried to cross the road opposite Leppings Lane tram stop on Monday (15 January). Middlewood Road was closed for two hours whilst the Police launched an investigation. (21/1/07 - BBC News Online) ------------------------------------------------- Birmingham: An “emergency” timetable has been introduced on the Midland Metro on weekdays because of the collision between two trams just before Christmas last year. Trams will now run every eight minutes during the main part of the day instead of the usual 6-7 minutes. It is estimated that this timetable will be in operation for 12-16 weeks although it will be reviewed on an ongoing basis during the repairs. The timetable for Birmingham-Wolverhampton journeys can be found here and Wolverhampton-Birmingham services here. (14/1/07 - Midland Metro) DLR: Secure Station awards have been secured by the DLR stations at West Silvertown, Pontoon Dock, London City Airport and King George V meaning that 100% of stations on the network have this status. (14/1/07 - DLR) Sheffield: 122 has become the eight tram to have its mid life refurbishment completed, and it returned to service just before Christmas. A three week break is now ongoing over the Christmas Holiday period before work starts on tram number nine. (14/1/07 - Stagecoach Supertram) ------------------------------------------------- |
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The remains of the front end of the Trampower tram after the Fire Brigade had put the major fire out. From this view it seems amazing to think that repairs are to be undertaken on the tram and that it is hoped to be back in service within six months and it is also lucky that nobody was seriouly hurt.
Photo: Alan Robson |
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TRAMPOWER TRAM CATCHES FIRE ON BLACKPOOL PROM Sunday 28 January 2007 On Wednesday afternoon (24 January) the Trampower Tram “burst” into flames whilst on its way back to depot after another days testing. Initial reports suggest that an electrical fault was the reason for the fire which has caused a significant amount of damage, although the Trampower company have confirmed the tram will be rebuilt. The tram was returning to the depot after a days when the fire commenced at around 1615 as the tram was near to Foxhall Square. It is reported that the electrical console in the cab “blew up” but fortunately the driver was alert enough to escape quickly out of the cab door. The fire quickly took hold and eye witnesses saw flames shooting out of the windows with three fire crews called from Blackpool and South Shore (an image of the flames coming from the tram is currently on the home page of blackpooltrams.info). Dave Hislop, engineering director from Blackpool Transport, said: “Thankfully the operator noticed the smoke and got out quickly before the fire started. He was taken to hospital as a precaution. The prototype City Class 611 tram was being tested on behalf of Tram Power to see if it would be able to go into passenger service. It is very upsetting for all those who put a lot of hard work into the development of the tram to see it go up in flames like that. Now there will be a full investigation and inspection of the tram, to find out what happened, and the tracks to ensure everything is OK before we send vehicles out there again." The Promenade road had to be closed for around 45 minutes to allow the fire crews access to the tram with fire crew manager Andy Hulls from South Shore fire station commenting: “The driver heard a flash bang and jumped out pretty quickly. Engineers will be investigating, but our first thoughts are it was an electrical fault. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured." An eyewitness added: “It was a pretty big fire, it looked quite spectacular. It brought that part of the Promenade to a standstill and about 60 people stood there watching." Although the damage to one end of the tram seems to an untrained eye very severe Professor Lewis Lesley, from Trampower Limited, has confirmed that it is to be rebuilt. He said: “It's a setback, but we're now working on plans to repair it and bring it back to Blackpool. The fire was caused by a small electrical fault which a small modification will completely eradicate. The tram had spent the whole day running up and down and this happened when it was on its way back to the depot." The tram could move to East Lancashire Coachbuilder in Blackburn as soon as next week for the repairs to be started. He added: “We are totally shocked because we've been running now for over nine months and had no incidents or serious problems. We were weeks away from completing the mileage that we had agreed with Blackpool for trouble-free running before we applied for passenger service approval." * A video report on the incident from BBC News, with CCTV footage, can be found here. * Photos of the tram after the fire can be found here and here.
Mr Livingstone said: “On 9 January, I called for Tramtrack Croydon Ltd to improve services for passengers and improve their maintenance record, following their failure to do so. New information has now come to light. In October last year, HMRI found Tramtrack Croydon Ltd to be in breach of both the Health and Safety at Work Act and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. As a result, Tramtrack Croydon Ltd was served with two Improvement Notices.
“These are legal notices informing the company that they have broken the law and that in order to avoid prosecution by HMRI, they must meet certain conditions within a set time limit. Tramtrack Croydon Ltd failed to inform TfL, as they are contractually obliged to do, of these notices. Either the Chairman of Tramtrack Croydon Ltd did not know about these breaches, which makes his and his management’s position untenable, or he did not inform us, which is a clear breach of contract and public trust.
“This leaves me no choice but to call for the directors of Tramtrack Croydon Ltd to resign and for the company to sack its entire management team. I would urge the banks and shareholders to hand the company over to Transport for London so it can be safely, efficiently and reliably managed, allowing those who live or work in Croydon to enjoy the service they deserve” He added.
In response to these allegations from Mr Livingstone TCL have hit back saying they have no intention of giving up the concession. Paul Davidson, Managing Director, said: “TCL reject any suggestion that the company is not a fit and proper concessionaire for the Croydon Tramlink. Whilst we do not believe that we are in breach of contract we will issue a formal contractual letter to TfL explaining the position."
Mr Davidson added that the TfL had indeed been informed of the enforcement notices at the time: “TfL have been aware of these matters since the initial RAIB report recommendations in March 2006. At the time we had been advised by HMRI that these notices had been issued for monitoring purposes and to ensure the system was brought up to developing UK practise. As TfL were already aware of the issue we did not rush into print to inform them but briefed relevant TfL staff in routine meetings held in November 2006. Other matters relating to trackwork were discussed with all relevant parties including TfL and HMRI to confirm incorporation within TCL’s regular track renewal programme.
”Whilst we would never seek to trivialise any matter connected with safety we do have to question TfL’s sense of proportion, given the nature of the matters concerned. The Mayor’s press release indicated that TfL do not know the nature of the actions required by HMRI. As we have a contract with them we might have expected them to have made contact with us voicing any concerns they may have in the first instance. The notices require TCL to take ‘reasonably practical measures’ to address the issues. The TCL Board considered the matter in November and the actions proposed. TCL therefore reject any suggestion that the company is not a fit and proper concessionaire for the Croydon Tramlink. Whilst we do not believe that we are in breach of contract we will issue a formal contractual letter to TfL explaining the position"
The TCL press release confirms that the Improvement Notices were issued as a means of actually tracking progress rather than as a form of reprimand. The work should be completed by 30 April 2007 and TCL are on target to achieve this date. Despite the fact that TCL could contest the notices they decided that it was in everyone’s best interests to carry on with the system upgrades.
* The full TCL press release can be found on the Unofficial Croydon Tramlink website.
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There is still some tram track in a bus garage in Chester, despite the system closing in February 1930. This image and the next show the track still in place in the yard of the garage.
Photo: Ian Banks |
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Another view of the track in the yard of the Chester bus garage.
Photo: Ian Banks |
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CROYDON TRAMLINK NEWS UPDATE Sunday 28 January 2007 * 2548 returned to service on Thursday 4 January after sitting on the Nottingham accommodation bogies for approximately four weeks whilst a set of three power bogies were away for overhaul * Back on Saturday 30 December the first tram into Elmers End slid on a wet rail after loosing grip at its final stopping position. There was minor damage to the wooden block on the buffer stop and cover on the tram. The tram was taken back to depot and a new cover was fitted with the tram returning to service later that same morning. Until a new wooden block is fitted to the buffer stop a 10kph TSR has been imposed into the platform. * For all the latest news on Tramlink visit http://www.croydon-tramlink.co.uk/news/index.php
* Four sand hoppers and mechanisms have been donated to Crich for possible use on the restoration of Cardiff 131, these are now being dismantled for examination.
* The work on the damaged floor support on Liverpool 869 is now completed and air stand up testing on the braking systems processing and the bogies should be refitted soon.
* Why not become a member of the Tramway Museum Society to help with the operation of the tramway and also to receive other benefits such as the monthly newsletter and quarterly magazine. More details here.
He said: “If the council decides to go ahead with the tram and work starts and money is spent, what happens if the new government does not want to go ahead with the tram? Will work stop, and the money already be lost? I think it would be better to wait until after the election in May, in case the SNP win, to avoid wasting taxpayers' money."
Mr Nicolson has been giving his anti tram views for many months and this is just the latest “soundbite” he has given The Scotsman.
* Meanwhile, another regular anti tram commenter, MSP Kenny MacAskill has come out with more comments – this time on the shuttle bus for the Western General Hospital from the tramway. Mr MacAskill is angry over perceived changes to the plans for bus links to the hospital with a Lothian Bus service being re-routed, without a guaranteed connection.
Mr MacAskill said: “This is an abuse of the parliamentary process and has undermined trust and faith in our parliament and its committees."
Willie Gallagher, tie Chairman, said: “I am very pleased that Matthew is joining us at this exciting time for Edinburgh’s tram project. We have just received the overwhelming support of Edinburgh’s councillors for the draft final business case, with the decision of Ministers due in February. Over the coming months, work will begin on the movement of underground pipes and cables, and there will be significant emphasis on the procurement process for the building of the network and the supply of vehicles. We are confident that Matthew can help us to meet these challenges on the road to the successful delivery for trams for Edinburgh”.
Mr Crosse added: “The tram project is entering a crucial phase and I'm very excited to be joining TIE at this time. I've been impressed with the calibre of the team working on the project and their ambitious vision for Edinburgh. I hope I can contribute positively and bring my experience to assist in delivering this new transport choice for the city."
Mr Crosse will only be in charge of the scheme for a limited period – possibly only until the Spring – as he has been bought in specifically for his skills in negotiating contracts. He has recently set up an independent management consultancy – Strategic Lines Ltd – which gives advice on procurement strategy and access to management resources. In fact tie have recently appointed a head hunting company to search for a suitable candidate for the role after this with Human Resources director Colin Mclauchlan saying: “It is envisaged that due to the seniority and nature of the roles that this will be a process that may well last until the summer.”
Andie Harper – the previous incumbent of the job – is continuing to be involved in the project on a consultancy basis.
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway Croydon Tramlink Manchester Metrolink Then during the storms Piccadilly Station was closed because of “safety implications” with trams only running direct from Bury-Altrincham (also avoiding Piccadilly Gardens) and from Eccles-Victoria Station. There were speed restrictions in place at Stretford with trams having to crawl past a collapsed building near the station until its metal roof was cleared away. In addition Altrincham bound trams were held at Cornbrook when the overhead was blown down causing services to be halted from here to Old Trafford.
Nottingham Express Transit Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of Lothian Buses and Transport Edinburgh Limited, said: “It is important that trams and buses work together in Edinburgh, so it makes sense that fares and tickets on trams and buses are the same. Since 1999, Lothian Buses has had a policy of increasing fares at the rate of inflation plus one per cent. On this basis, we can estimate the future cost of tram and bus fares so, as a comparison, today's £1 single bus fare would, in 2011, cost in the region of £1.25 a journey. I am sure the public will recognise this as a fare that provides excellent value for money for a tram or a bus journey. The calculation does make the assumption that there are no external factors, such as the cost of oil and power increasing above the general rate of inflation. As the public is aware we have no control over these factors and, should they happen, they would impact bus fares whether Edinburgh had trams or not."
The Scotsman had previously reported that fares could be as much as £2 to help pay for the escalating costs.
After this it is proposed to display the tram at various locations along the route on five weekends throughout the summer finishing with a 'hauled-run' along as much as possible of the route between Old Colwyn (Queen's Hotel as was) - the terminus until 1930 - and Llandudno (West Shore) via Colwyn Bay, Rhos-on-Sea, Penrhyn Bay and Craig-y-Don. This will be on Saturday 20th October - the nearest weekend to the opening of the tramway 100 years ago in 1907.
Meanwhile the actual restoration of the tram continues although the recent gales had brought down part of the roof of the shed covering the tram, but fortunately there was no damage to the tram itself. The lower deck saloon body is virtually complete with the roof made watertight and the old mechanism to ensure the vestibule double-doors at each end open simultaneously is again fully functional!
It is hoped to include the society's display boards inside the saloon for the public and hopefully generous sponsors/grant allocators to view on the summer outings. [These will be on display at the Society's Stand at the Transport Festival on Bodafon Fields at Craig-y-Don which takes place the same weekend. There will be a short "Vintage Bus" ride - just under a mile - between the two events to add to the interest.]
The trolley pole stanchion was on the roof ready for fixing, prior to re-fitting original upper deck railings and seats which are in the process of being cleaned and repainted. The driver's vestibule ends should be in place by Easter after which it really will look like one of the 10 3ft6in gauge Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Open Top Double Deck Trams that operated in North Wales between 1936 and 1956.
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This is what the Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Tramway Society are aiming to get to with their replica tram 7. This is the original 7 seen on its home system when trams were still running.
Photo: John Bird |
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MAYOR KEN GOES ON OFFENSIVE AGAINST TRAMLINK Sunday 14 January 2007 The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, has attacked Tramtrack Croydon Limited, the operator of Croydon Tramlink, and called on them to improve the services for passengers and improve their maintenance record – after what is claimed their consistent refusal to do so. It is claimed that despite an increase in demand on Sundays Tramtrack has shown no initiative and willingness to improve capacity through an increase in services. The recent changes to the timetable have also seen a reduction in services for passengers in New Addington. Mr Livingstone said: “The Croydon Tramlink has been a great benefit to the people of Croydon, Wimbledon and the areas of south London it serves, carrying around 24m passengers a year. But this has been despite of, rather than because of, its operator, Tramtrack Croydon Ltd. I have asked TfL to provide extra bus services to help alleviate overcrowding on some of the busiest sections of Croydon Tramlink. Extra buses on route 130 to and from New Addington will start in May, and TfL will also, later, put on extra buses going east from Croydon. In both cases this will give shorter distance passengers an alternative, so making space for New Addington residents to get to and from work and leisure in Central Croydon. Longer term, I have asked TfL to consider all possible options to ensure that passengers get the Croydon Tramlink service they deserve in future. Trams can make a major contribution to London’s transport network. It is essential that we see London’s only current tram network serve passengers properly." In response to these comments Roger Harding, general manager of Tramtrack, said he was completely surprised by the comments and that Mr Livingstone had been ill-informed by TfL. He said: “We do not accept the issues that he is raising and they are not at all consistent with the discussions that we have had with TfL. We had already made proposals to increase Sunday services with TfL but they had to decide the level of service from which we are still awaiting a response. In October 2004 the mayor agreed to fund an additional tram for New Addington but we never received the funding so there is a whole host of issues and we just do not accept the claims." However, Andrew Pelling, MP for Central Croydon and a member of the London Assembly, backed Mr Livingstone’s comments: “It is a very welcome move by the mayor. This is really good news when the operators are removing services from New Addington. I am fed up with my constituents telling me that they are being forced to jump back in their cars because the services are just not there."
The works will start immediately and should be completed by February 2009 and include the construction of two new platforms on the north side of Stratford station for North London Line services to terminate, track alignment work to prepare for the new rail link between Stratford and Stratford International and the construction of the shell and foundations of the new DLR station at Stratford International.
Mayor Ken Livingstone commented: “The award of this contract is an important step in the progress of the transformation of London's transport network after many years of underinvestment. The extension will offer visitors and local residents a more frequent and reliable train service through Newham, with four new fully accessible stations, and will be a crucial link to Stratford International and the Olympic Park."
Jonathan Fox, Director of the DLR, added: “This contract award means that Skanska and GrantRail will soon be starting work on the DLR extension to Stratford International, a vital part of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Since receiving approval from the Secretary of State in October, the project has been going full steam ahead and is on course for completion by 2010. DLR's two most recent extensions to Lewisham and London City Airport were completed on budget and ahead of schedule. Our aim is to repeat this success with the Stratford International Extension, which will provide a key rail link for local communities and people travelling to the 2012 Games."
Skanska and Grant Rail have been awarded the contract after a competitive tendering process which also involved Hochtief, AMEC and Carillion.
Two further main work contracts for the Stratford International extension are to be awarded in 2007 with the first to be signed in the spring, involving the construction of a flying junction at Canning Town to allow Beckton services to cross over the Stratford International line. Meanwhile, the second contract to be signed in the summer, involves the conversion of the existing railway to DLR technology, the upgrading of existing stations to DLR standards, the construction of four new stations and the formation of the new rail link between Stratford and Stratford International.
Council leader Cllr Don Rowley said: “If they were going to extend the NET system, I don't think there is a better route, both for the environment and for the company to make a profit. I would love to see the tram come this way. It would be a brilliant idea for everybody. It certainly wouldn't happen in the next two to three years even if they agree to it, but we will keep pushing."
The council have written to appeal for support from NET Development Board chairman Cllr John Taylor, Tom Harris MP, Minister for Tram and Railway Networks, MPs Geoff Hoon and Nick Palmer and Cllr Stan Heptinstall, the chairman of the Broxtowe Partnership Transport Sub Group.
Pat Armstrong, project manager of NET, said: “Of course we would consider their suggestion. We have looked at the possibilities for Eastwood in the past and it isn't currently one of the lines we are pursuing. There is only so much you can do and we have chosen the most viable and most important routes for our next phase. But we are not saying the project is necessarily stopping there, so we are interested in looking for opportunities in the future. How quickly we could do that I don't know. But we will look at what they are proposing and respond."
The letter being sent states: “Our request at this time is that this proposal be prominently listed for future consideration in the not too distant future. The economic feasibility of this extension is very high. Capital contributions from both retail parks could supplement Government grants for the costs of building the new line. The various concentrations of communities alongside the route would provide passenger numbers sufficient to gain good profitability."
In the letter she says: “I would like TfL to consider conducting a feasibility study on creating a tunnel crossing for the tram in the park. As large open spaces are at a premium for the location of a depot, there might also be a 'cut and cover' option to excavate and create a tunnel and a large underground depot and then restore level, grassed and 'treed' parkland above it at ground level."
A TfL spokesman replied that the consultation for route options was ongoing until the end of the month: “The results will be considered and will help us in deciding a preferred route. Later on in the year we will be having a consultation on local issues along the route that will include the potential location of depots."
Ms Shawcross added: “It would allow the tram to cross the park without further severance and without reducing the traffic capacity along Wells Way. I hope TfL will give some thought to this option."
The re-surfacing of the road around the Metropole Hotel began on Tuesday (9 January) with much of the old surface now having been lifted.
Several sections of the rail on the southbound line from Thornton Gate to Beach Road has been lifted with new rail alongside ready for fitment. This work is being done by Blackpool Borough Council’s track gang. The single line barrier is unusually situated just across the second road crossing north of Cleveleys, this is to allow a suitable headshunt at Cleveleys for the CityTram which has been tested during the last week between Gynn Square and Cleveleys.
The service is being operated by three trams with a fourth spare tram being stabled at Thornton Gate on the loop line in case of breakdowns. There are four buses being used for the main part on the “tram” service from Thornton Gate to Starr Gate.
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A view of the situation of the major trackwork at Manchester Square in Blackpool as at Sunday 7 January 2007.
Photo: Gareth Prior |
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BLACKPOOL & FLEETWOOD TRAMWAY NEWS UPDATE Sunday 14 January 2007 * Balloon 720 has entered the Body Shop to be stripped to the frame for a start to be made on a full overhaul, expected to be in a similar style to sister 713. When the stripping has been completed the body will be lifted from the underframe to allow replacement with a newly fabricated unit – this is currently under construction in the Fitting Shop. * Balloon 717’s “heritage” overhaul continued during December and the tram is starting to resemble a Balloon again with the framing of the new steel cab ends. Damaged sections of the wooden frame have either being repaired and replaced and the apertures for twin destination screens are now in place. The original wooden staircase panels have now been fitted and a new lower saloon floor is now in place. * A start has not yet been made on the restoration of the Western Train 733+734 and the tram remains stored at the front of the tram depot. The terms of the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund means that the restoration must be supplementary to the main workshop programme and not the core part of it. * Brush 636 left Blackpool on 22 November for a new unconfirmed temporary home – believed to be Stored Energy Technology at Derby. 636 is being used as a test bed to aid in the company’s development of wheel motors for rail applications. The tram had been fitted with an experimental bogie at one end before departure, and this causes the tram to sit much higher then before. Seats have been removed and windows masked and much of the project is shrouded in secrecy and as such no publications are permitted to show detailed photos. * This news has been taken from the Fylde Tramway News – the monthly journal of the Fylde Tramway Society. This is the only way to get full monthly news and features on the Blackpool Tramway, as well as buses in the resort and some articles on trams worldwide, and the only way to receive a copy is to become a member of the FTS. As well as the magazine there are monthly meetings and semi-regular tram tours. For more details here or here.
* There have been a number of disruptions on Tramlink in the last few weeks, the most serious of which was on Thursday 8 December at Fieldway when 2551 struck some branches of a tree that had rested onto the overhead in the wind. This twisted the pantograph head and it had to be taken out of service at Addington Village. Trams were stopped whilst the overhead was isolated and the branches removed, although no damage was done to the actual overhead itself. 2551 had to be towed back to depot around three hours after the incident, although this was delayed at Sandilands Tunnel when the pantograph finally failed and had to be lowered. During the disruption most trams turned at Lloyd Park although some trams were allowed to go to Addington Village and then return in service wrong line before using the Lloyd Park crossover.
Another incident took place at Waddon Marsh on Tuesday 19 December when a high pressure gas leak caused the Fire Brigade to close the line with New Addington trams diverted round the loop and Wimbledon services turned at Therapia Lane.
Then on Friday 29 December 2550 collided with two wheelbarrows left on the single track between Phipps Bridge and Morden Road at Morden Hill foot crossing. One was pushed to the side but the other was wedged under the tram. One tram worked a Morden Road to Wimbledon shuttle with other trams turning at Phipps Bridge.
* The Passenger Information Display change to show second and third trams alternately at town centre stops from Sandilands to the Loop is now working but the changes to departure time is not and the updates don’t occur until the tram arrives at its first stop.
* The data changes on the trams on board ERIC announcement system are progressing with the Out of Service display has been changed to Not In Service and Depot had been added as a destination.
* For full news from Croydon Tramlink visit the Unofficial Croydon Tramlink website.
* The Chairman of TRANSform Scotland, the sustainable transport lobbying group, has attacked the SNP’s stance over the tram scheme. Paul Tetlaw said: “The SNP have demonstrated their complete lack of ambition for Scotland and its capital city. By opposing trams, the SNP have shown they would be happy to deprive Scotland's capital city of the public transport system that it needs. Trams will build on Edinburgh's excellent bus network and help us move towards a world-class public transport system."
* Around 300 landowners in Edinburgh have been told their property will be purchased by the council as part of the scheme to return trams to the city. Letters have been sent out to the owners of the properties which include roads, footways, fields, car parks and river banks. A second notice will be sent to the landowners once the business case is approved by Scottish Ministers. The same financial settlement as would have been achieved had the land been sold on the open market will be given to the owners of the land.
* Spokes, a cycling lobby group, have claimed they have big concerns about the tram system because of the lack of provision for riders on off-road sections of the tram route. They also say it is important to ensure bikes can be carried on the trams.
* Harold Nicolson, from the Edinburgh Railway Action Group, has written to the transport leader of the City Council, Cllr Ricky Henderson, urging them to put off the tram work until after May’s elections.
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