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| News...March 2004...News...March 2004...News...March 2004...News This Page was last updated Sunday 28 March 2004 |
| 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: Blackpool Centenary 644 after the Gynn Square derailment (added 20 March 2004) Blackpool Centenary 646 in its new advert for Paul Gaunt Furnishings (added 28 March 2004) |
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News In Brief Blackpool: Balloon 720 is now in all over black awaiting application of an advert for the Eclipse show at the Pleasure Beach whilst Railcoach 678 is also black as the base for an Radio Wave ad. Balloon 702 has been prepared to receive the 1970s fleet livery. (28/3/04 - Paul Turner from Blackpool Transport) Crich: Leeds 345's structure is now nearly complete with only the flooring to fit on the top of the lower deck. Glasgow 812 is now undergoing testing following its work whilst fellow Glaswegian 22 is reported to be performing well following its motor failure. (28/3/04 - TMS Contact) Manchester: 1st series tram 1011 is the latest one to be outshopped in the revised livery following its midlife overhaul. The tram retains its name Superb and also features the Metrolink roundel on both the front and rear dash panels. (28/3/04 - Gordon Ferguson) ------------------------------------------------- Sheffield: As part of the 10th Anniversary of Stagecoach Supertram a tram was to be unveiled in a special livery at the Nunnery tram depot on Wednesday 24 March. During the week Supertram staff were also due to be giving out commemorative give-away gifts amrking 'Ten Years of Splendid Service'. (27/3/04 - SYPTE) ------------------------------------------------- Manchester: Engineering works will see no service between Crumpsall and Piccadilly Gardens on Sunday 28 March with buses replacing trams. Trams will continue to operate between Bury and Crumpsall, Eccles and Piccadilly and Altrincham and Piccadilly. (21/3/04 - Manchester Metrolink) Nottingham: A tram has struck the back of a stationary car at the Peel Street/Waverley Street crossroads. The tram was going southbound into the city centre when it hit the car. One person was injured in the car but not seriously. (21/3/04 - BBC News Online) ------------------------------------------------- Manchester: 1008 and 1016 have been named Erotica G-Mex 2004. This is an exhibition being staged next weekend at the G-Mex. (21/3/04 - Gordon Ferguson) Nottingham: It is reported that NET are planning to increase the frequency of tram services within 6 months after around 20 additional driver-conductors are employed. It is planned that services will be every 6 minutes at off-peak times and every 5 minutes during the peak. (20/3/04 - This is Nottingham) ------------------------------------------------- Docklands: This weekend (13/14 March) saw buses replace trains on the DLR between Bank/Tower Gateway and Westferry due to essential engineering works. Services remained from Beckton to Lewisham, Stratford to Lewisham and Canary Wharf to Beckton. (14/3/04 - Docklands Light Railway) ------------------------------------------------- Blackpool: Latest paint shop news - Centenary 646 is now out and is ready for its new advert, Balloon 720 is now in paint believed to be receiving 704's advert for Eclipse at the Pleasure Beach, sister 726 is also in paint receiving a repaint into its Thwaites Bitter advert. (7/3/04 - Paul Turner from Blackpool Transport Yahoo! Group) ------------------------------------------------- Croydon: 2535 has been fitted with on board CCTV during the first week of February. The system is a smaller version than that previously fitted to 2534 and has been tested and a order has been placed for the remainder of the fleet to be fitted by the end of the year. (4/3/04 - Unofficial Croydon Tramlink) |
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The new advert for Centenary 646 is an inverted design for Paul Gaunt Furniture. The tram is seen near to North Pier on 19 March 2004. Photo: Alan Robson |
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EDINBURGH PROGRESS WITH PLANS FOR LINE 3 Sunday 28 March 2004 In Edinburgh plans are now progressing with the Line 3 plans now that the Private Bills have been submitted to the Scottish Parliament for Lines 1 and 2. Last month Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (tie) updated Edinburgh City Council on the progress they were making with Line 3, specifically relating to Preferred Route Corridor in the south-east of the city. Following this meeting it was likely to be agreed that a public consultation exercise was to be commenced on the proposed alignment of Line 3 in either late March or early April 2004. This line is going to link the city centre to Cameron Toll via North and South bridge and by the new Royal Infirmary and Niddrie before terminating at the park and ride site at Newcraighall. During the period of looking where Line 3 should be going both tie and Faber Maunsell (tecnhical and engineering consultants) have looked at more than 30 different variations before they were refined in advance of the final recommendations. The Chief Executive of tie, Michael Howell said: "Initial tests rejected a number of route options such as The Mound, Cockburn Street, The Meadows, Castle Terrace and Calton Road on environmental, engineering or planning grounds. Ensuring maximum patronage for the trams has been a key consideration in choice of route alignment. We will be working closely with local councillors and community and residents’ groups as well as other interested parties to seek their input to the consultation exercise. The aim will be to establish a series of Community Liaison Groups to co-ordinate this activity.” The main part of the consultation will be to seek opinion as to whether trams should run along Nicolson Street into Clerk Street and then along South Clerk Street or turn into Nicolson Square running south along Buccleuch Street. It would then continue along Hope Park Crescent and Summerhall Place and then separate into a northbound and southbound section, one by way of West Preston Street and Newington Road and one via Causewayside and Salisbury Place. In addition views from the public are sought on the alignment in the area of Inch Park. Commenting on the proposals for Line 3 Councillor Andrew Burns, the Executive Member for Transport on the council, said: "Tramline 3 will provide a high quality public transport link with south-east Edinburgh which is one of the city’s high growth areas. We are committed to delivering a modern tram system as an integral part of the Integrated Transport Initiative. Overwhelming public support for trams was shown during the public consultation for tramlines 1 and 2 last year, with 86% of respondents supporting the proposals. This shows just how important these plans are to Edinburgh residents. With traffic volumes in Edinburgh predicted to rise by at least 20 per cent over the next two decades, it is crucial that we tackle our growing congestion problem now." Source: Tram Time, Edinburgh MAN BADLY INJURED IN TRAMLINK COLLISION Sunday 28 March 2004 A man whose car collided with a tram on the Oaks Road Crossing in Croydon on 3 March has this week been released from hospital. Sohail Ahmed was travelling in his car with work colleague Kamiul Islam when the collision occured and the car was thrown around 40 feet. Mr Ahmed suffered broken leg and damage to his eye caused by flying glass whilst Mr Islam broke an arm and a leg. Neither the driver or any of the passengers on board the tram were injured in the incdient, for which it is not yet known how it happened. Services were suspended for 4 hours whilst the power was switched off to allow the emergency services access. Mr Ahmed believes that a gate or barrier should be installed at tram crossings as traffic lights alone were ot safer enough. Source: icSouthLondon MOTORIST CAN SUE SUPERTRAM Sunday 28 March 2004 We reported a couple of weeks ago about motorist Bill Roe who was seriously injured in a 1995 accident after his car went out of control on wet rails on the Sheffield Supertram network and how he was going to the Appeal Court to see if he could claim compensation. Last week at the Appeal Court in London the judges told him that he WAS entitled to claim compensation against both Sheffield City Council and the builders and operators of the Supertram network. Speaking at the hearing Lord Justice Kennedy said: ""It seems to me that the time has come for the proceedings to be brought to a complete conclusion and by that I mean all proceedings." It is thought that Mr Roe, who has no recollection of the accident due to brain injuries, could be in line to win up to £1 million, in addition to the £20,000 he has already been awarded. It is now up to the defendants to decide who should foot the bill. Source: BBC News Online LATEST MIDLAND METRO PUBLIC INQUIRY OPENS Saturday 27 March 2004 On Tuesday (23 March) the public inquiry into the Midland Metro Line One extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill opened. The inquiry, expected to last several weeks, commenced at the Copthorne Hotel in Merry Hill and is chaired by Graham Self. There are 15 objectors to the scheme which would use an existing heavy rail track bed for the bulk of the distance. Amongst these objections is one from the West Midland branch of rail pressure group, Rail future with Alan Bevan saying: "The metro plans will severely restrict capacity for much-needed train services.". Joining him in objecting the scheme is Chris Crean from West Midland Friends of the Earth, who said: "We should be reopening our rail lines for trains not trams. The place for light rail is on our roads thereby adding to the public transport offer within the region." However the director general of Centro, Rob Donald said: "Extending the Midland Metro between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill is a crucial step in providing the high quality public transport worthy of a major region and this public inquiry moves us ever closer to that reality. Modern trams have proved immensely popular elsewhere because they get people close to the destination in comfort. They are reliable, emission-free and fully accessible. Once this system is running in a few years time, moving around the Black Country will be so much easier for everyone." If given the go-ahead the line will have 13 stops including Great Bridge, Dudley Port, Dudley town centre, The Waterfront and Merry Hill with the terminus at High Street, Brierley Hill. The journey length would be approximately 23 minutes. Construction of this extension would start in 2005 with opening in 2008 if the inquiry is a success, with the government giving the final word later this year. Source: icBirmingham 'WRATS' VOW TO CONTINUE METRO CAMPAIGN Saturday 27 March 2004 The WRATS (Walsall Road against Trams) anti Midland Metro extension group have revealed that their fight is not over despite the approval given by Cento last week to the major expansion plans. Bill Groves, the campaign organiser said: "The fight is not over, despite this week's announcement. We do not want trams running past our homes every few minutes and we do not want shops and buildings bulldozed." They are battling against the proposed city centre to Great Barr line which is due to go down the A34 Walsall Road but they do not think their fight is over, despite the Centro approval. Their next step is to go to have a meeting with City Council cabinet member for transport, Councillor John Tyrrell, to outline their fears of the line, before the council give their final decision on the major expansion plans for Midland Metro. Source: icBirmingham NEXT STAGE OF MIDLAND METRO CONFIRMED Sunday 21 March 2004 The next phase of the development of Midland Metro has been given the green light by Birmingham City Council this week. The plans see 5 further lines at an approximate cost of £1 billion but the proposed line going through Harborne has been dropped following immense public displeasure. This line was to have gone to Bartley Green from Birmingham city centre and via the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. However it has now been dropped as it would have been unlikely to have passed the tough government cost-benefit based funding criteria and they admitted that there was very little public support. The works which have been included in the Centro report are: Phase 1 - Varsity North Line (from central Birmingham to Great Barr along the A34 Walsall Road), lines from Quinton along Hagley Road and from Eastside linking to the end of the already proposed Birmingham city centre route, Wolverhampton-Walsall. The cost of this phase would be around £570 million and should start in 2009 with opening in 2011, subject to government approval. Phase 2 - Extension to the Wolverhampton-Walsall line to Wednesbury (completing the 5 Ws route), City Centre-Birmingham International Airport and NEC, through Digbeth and along the A45 Coventry Road. The cost would be £462 million with construction commencing in 2012 and the first trams in 2014. It is predicted that if all of the lines are given approval there could be 25 million extra journeys undertaken per year. Centro plan to allocate £400 million out of the extra £1 billion already assigned by Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport for the region for an initial 3 line extension to the network over the next decade. Councillor Richard Worrall chairman of the PTA said "Now we have agreement on a phased approach to develop a full network up to and beyond that date. The plan will deliver wider regeneration benefits for the West Midlands and takes into account the needs of individual districts as well as making the most of restricted Government funding. But above all, the people of the West Midlands will be able to experience a step-change in the quality of public transport." The plan will now go from Centro (the PTE) to the PTA on Monday for final approval before going on to the government for approval, followed by public inquiries. Source: icBirmingham and BBC News Online GAS LEAK CAUSES METROLINK CHAOS Sunday 21 March 2004 On Thursday (18 March) a major gas leak in Manchester city centre caused delays for Manchester Metrolink services. The incident happened in High Street at 3.30pm when police were caused after a gas main was ruptured. The High Street was closed from Church Street to Shudehill whilst repairs were carried out and no trams were running between Piccadilly and Victoria. Source: Manchester Online EXTEND NET TO ARNOLD AND WEST BRIDGFORD PLEA Sunday 21 March 2004 Councillor Jon Collins, the leader of the city, wants to see the Nottingham Express Transit network extended to Arnold and West Bridgford. He said "It's pretty clear that what we need is a network. I'm pretty sure that as more people experience the tram, they'll recognise it is something that is good for the city and people will want to see it extended to other parts." He also thinks that the proposed Lines 2 and 3 to Beeston and Chilwell can be resolved so that most people along the routes are happy. Despite Mr Collins' feelings the line to West Bridgford was abandoned in 2002 when NET bosses decided that passenger levels would have been too small to make it viable financially and ideas for a route to Arnold have been looked at but rejected due to huge amounts of traffic in the area which would need to be removed before construction. However the antis have shot down Councillor Collins' ideas with Gordon Wheeler of Environment not Trams saying "As far as I'm aware the numbers just don't add up at all. He's trotting out absolute nonsense and there's nothing to back up his claims. If you've got evidence, let's see it. It's pure wishful thinking." Source: This is Nottingham BLACKPOOL STILL WAIT FOR FUNDING NEWS Sunday 21 March 2004 It is now 2 years since Blackpool put in a funding bid to the government to upgrade the tramway to light rail standards and then add additional lines. But they are still waiting for news as to whether they have been successful or not as the government delay and delay on light rail funding news. Last week the subject was brought up by Fylde MP Michael Jack in a Commons discussion and he said "The minister knows the importance of the project to the whole of the Fylde coast transport infrastructure and he will appreciate that it is key to the further evaluation of possible light rail links to Preston and beyond." In reply the Transport Minister Kim Howells said "It is important to keep the existing tramway in good condition. The Secretary of State will endeavour to make an announcement shortly." This statement did not please Mr Jack and this week he told the Blackpool Gazette "I was disappointed not to see the minister understand the difference between the Blackpool position and those of other schemes. This is why I made the difference between those projects and Blackpool because it is already up and running, with passengers who use it on a regular basis. It is also an attraction in its own right. My sense is that the Government is becoming rather more cynical about tramway investment proposals." The delay is now starting to cause concern amongst Blackpool Borough Council and Councillor Eddie Collett, the deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration said "The lack of news is beginning to be a concern. The masterplan isn't just a set of pretty pictures, it is about creating jobs and getting people to their jobs is fundamental to the success of the resort. We have answered all the Government's questions many times. I have been going down to London in one form or another for two years. I have some sympathy for the Government's reticence for funding tramways as some are proving to be nowhere near as economically viable as once thought." The wait just keeps going on and on for Blackpool and of course many other towns and cities across the country also await a decision of funding to be made. Source: Blackpool Today MAJOR DERAILMENT IN BLACKPOOL Saturday 20 March 2004 Last Saturday afternoon (13 March) refurbished Centenary 644 was involved in a major derailment incident approaching Gynn Square in Blackpool. It appears that a pole was placed in the groove of the track on the bend approaching Gynn Square making it very difficult for the driver to see on his approach to this location. The front bogie left the tracks and the tram ploughed into the wall which goes down to the Middle Walk on this part of the Promenade, with the wall being partly demolished and the tram (as seen in the picture below) was possibly only saved from falling onto Middle Walk completely by the maroon electric box which is seen preventing the tram going any further. The back bogie of the tram remained on the track. It is reported that between 3 and 9 people required hospital treatment for minor injuries and police have been studying CCTV footage to see if they can see who placed the object on the tracks. A spokesman for Blackpool Police said "It is impossible at this stage to say exactly what happened, although we are looking into the possibility this accident may have been caused deliberately. It would appear a piece of scaffolding was on the track at the time the incident happened. We are looking at every possibility. Nobody was seriously injured in the incident, which was very lucky indeed." The tram was rerailed and the Police are wanting any witnesses to get into touch with them on (01253) 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Source: UWW 5X, Blackpool Today and BBC News Online |
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Centenary 644 is seen after the incident at Gynn Square on Saturday 13 March hanging over the edge. Photo: UWW 5X |
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TWO TRAMS "CLOSE TO COLLISION" IN NOTTINGHAM Saturday 20 March 2004 At 1645 last Saturday (13 March) two trams came within 60 metres of each other on the Hucknall branch of Nottingham Express Transit. A tram was going north past Bulwell Forest at approximately 50mph when it is reported to have passed a stop signal whilst at the same a tram was heading south past Moorbridge at around 31mph. The trams applied their brakes after the automatic blue flashing warning lights were activated to indicate that a tram had passed a signal at stop (a SPAS) and the emergency brakes were not required. The northbound tram was then reversed by the driver (from the opposite cab) back to the Bulwell Forest stop. Colin Lea, marketing manager for the Nottingham Tram Consortium, said that a driver has been suspended pending an investigation into the incident and a preliminary study indicated that human error was to blame. He said "People shouldn't be concerned because everything that should have happened did happen. I would have been more concerned if they'd had to use emergency brakes or got closer than 60 metres." Source: This is Nottingham and BBC News Online NET BACK TRAM CONDUCTORS Saturday 20 March 2004 Managers of Nottingham Express Transit have said they will not be introducing electronic ticket machines despite criticism of the slowness of the conductors. BBC News Online report that as many as 1 in 5 passengers are travelling without a ticket because the conductors are not reaching them on board the tram before they get off at their stop. Colin Lea said "We don't want to think of a different system. What we'll do is bring in more conductors, we think the system is right. Conductors are certainly going down very well with the public, they like a friendly face on the tram. It's good for safety at night and getting the right change. Conductors is definitely the right policy rather than ticket machines." Bosses at NET have also said that when the system beds down after everybody has given it a go they expect to lose around 5% in revenue from people who do not pay for their fares. NET are now planning to employ extra conductors so they can man the busier stops at busy times with tickets sold before people board the trams so the on-boardconductors have less work to do. Source: BBC News Online THREAT TO HERITAGE REBUILDS IN BLACKPOOL Saturday 20 March 2004 Trams Magazine reports that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) could well put a stop to the heritage rebuild of Balloon 713. The report says that the HSE have a series of concerns regarding the shape of trams after a number of fatalities on tram and light rail systems nationwide. The main area of concern is believed to be around the lifeguard and the bogies of the trams with the traditional wooden type not acceptable. Instead the HSE would rather see the more modern type of blade lifeguard, as fitted to Brush Cars 626 and 630 and the rebuilt Balloons such as 707. The other area is around the bogies with the concern here due to large gaps between the body and the bogies. The HSE is reported to be in favour of rounded corners on trams rather than square ends and also pointed ends are rumoured to be out of contention. Blackpool Transport are now awaiting a reply from the HSE on what style of overhaul they can proceed with on 713 as it was planned to have many of things that are now likely to be outlawed. The magazine reports that if there is no reply from the HSE by the end of this month then the tram will receive a 707, 709, 718 and 724 type flat fronted overhaul rather than a heritage one. The report concludes by saying that it will not affect any members of the tram fleet currently being used unless they go in for an overhaul. Source: Trams Magazine The quaterly magazine - for further details see the advert on the main page!!!! NOTTINGHAM EXPRESS TRANSIT OPENS!!!!! Sunday 14 March 2004 For the full story behind this weeks opening of Nottingham Express Transit see the News Special which looks at the Official opening and Days 1 and 2. Please note this page may take some time to load due to the high picture content. MPs URGE GOVERNMENT NOT TO DELAY ON NET LINES 2 AND 3 Sunday 14 March 2004 Just a day after the official opening of Nottingham Express Transit Labour MPs Paddy Tipping and Alan Simpson were in Parliament seeking assurances that the next stages of NET would not take the 15 years that Line 1 did. Mr Simpson said "members from Nottingham want the Secretary of State (Alistair Darling) to be able to travel from Bulwell in the north of Nottingham to Clifton in the south of Nottingham but that we would need to have a second line. Can we have some assurance that it's not going to take another 15 years.". Tony McNulty, the Transport Minister, said in reply to this "I would just say that any subsequent analysis of the bids will be dealt with swiftly", he also added that he was looking forward to seeing the plans for Lines 2 and 3 in more detail. Source: This is Nottingham BLACKPOOL TRAMWAY NEWS UPDATE Sunday 14 March 2004 Centenary 642 has now had the missing signwriting added to its Mecca Bingo advert which was lost during the last season after minor panel repairs whilst Railcoach 680 has received attention in the body shop which has seen extensive panel work. Major rebuild Balloon 724 has now visited the fitting shop for final work prior to testing, this included work on the air brakes. The Illuminated Warship, 736 sees work continue on it in the Body Shop with work concentrated on the exterior. Away from the actual trams work continues on the track relaying north of Thornton Gate with the first rails now laid whilst Travelcard prices were put up from the middle of February with a One Day version now costing £5 for adults and £4.50 for concessions. The only way to get FULL MONTHLY news on the Blackpool Tramway is by becoming a member of the Fylde Tramway Society where you get the Fylde Tramway News once a month as well as the chance to attend meetings and tram tours. For further details click here Source: Fylde Tramway News COMPENSATION FIGHT CONTINUES AGAINST SUPERTRAM Sunday 14 March 2004 A driver who was seriously injured when his car went out of control on the tracks in Sheffield is to continue his fight at the Appeal Court. The incident happened in May 1995 when Bill Roe's car came into contact with wet tram tracks in Norton Avenue. At Barnsley County Court in 2001 it was ruled that the wet tram tracks were at fault for the accident but as yet there has been no one liable for the accident and Mr Roe is seeking around £1 million in compensation. He has claimed againt Sheffield City Council, the companies involved in the construction and the Health and Safety Executive, all to no avail. One judge did find against Supertram Operating Company but this was successfuly appealed by the company and so Mr Roe has come back to square one and is now hoping that the appeal court judges will rule in his favour and allow him to gain compensation. Source: Sheffield Today DEAL AGREED FOR MERSEY TRAM Sunday 7 March 2004 An agreement was due to be signed by Council and Mersey Travel bosses on Friday which would see building work on Mersey Tram suspended on 1 January 2008 if it was still ongoing. Mersey Travel are still confident that they will have completed all construction work by September 2007 but if this doesn't happen alternative arrangements will be put into place for public transport and all roadworks will be covered up. Due to this costs are likely to increase and these will now have to be built into the existing cost of constructing Mersey Tram. The Chief Executive of the Council David Henshaw said "There remains a huge number of challenges for Merseytravel in terms of the tram scheme and we remain supportive. But we also have to protect our position as the highways authority. We cannot have our roads and pavements being dug up in 2008." The next step for Mersey Tram now is the public inquiry due to commence on 20 April. Source: icLiverpool CAMPAIGNERS CLAIM NO SUPPORT FOR SUPERTRAM EXTENSIONS Sunday 7 March 2004 Campaigners against Stagecoach Supertram extensions to Parkgate and Hellaby have this week claimed that the figures released last week do not show support for extensions as said by SYPTE bosses last week. A spokesman for the campaigners told The Sheffield Star "What is remarkable is that the response achieved following a three month campaign...all of this effort has produced only 211 responses from people who support the Hellaby extension and the 175 who are in favour of the Parkgate route. We believe this is an astonishing result and contains a very clear message - that the people of Rotherham are not even interested in the notion of Supertram on their streets." SYPTE are now preparing to embark on the next stage of progressing with these proposed extensions which could take 10 years to complete. Source: Sheffield Today ALL OVER ADVERTS MAKE A RETURN TO CROYDON Thursday 4 March 2004 Three trams in Croydon have received all over adverts for Ikea in readiness for the relaunch of the Ampere Way store which is to undergo a relaunch on 18 March. The three trams are 2532, 2539 and 2553. It is not an all over advert in the true sense of the term as only one side of each tram is to receive the yellow design which just has writing at the top saying "IKEA CROYDON LIKE IKEA BUT BETTER". This will be the first trams out of the Red and White livery for 2 years when 2546 lost its advert for the Whitgift Shopping Centre. Source: Unofficial Croydon Tramlink DLR WOOLWICH EXTENSION GIVEN GO-AHEAD Thursday 4 March 2004 Last week saw the Transport and Works Act passed for the Docklands Light Railway extension under the River Thames to Woolwich Arsenal. The line will be an add on to the extension currently being constructed to London City Airport due for opening in 2005. It will see an extension from King George V, the current eastern terminus of the line, through bored tunnels under the Thames to a new terminus at Woolwich Arsenal which is to provide interchange with other forms of public transport including main line rail services. The line will be approximately 2.5km and will cost £145 million with construction likely to begin in mid 2005 with an opening date of the end of 2008. Mayor for London, Ken Livingstone, was pleased with the annoucement as it was the first scheme DLR had been asked to progress with as part of his Transport Strategy, he said "It is excellent news that plans can now be taken forward to secure delivery of this scheme. A DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal would link Woolwich with the employment hub of the Docklands and would be a huge step forward in the continuing regeneration of south London and the Thames Gateway.” The next step is to find a consortium for the DBOM contract, a process which has already been begun. Source: Docklands Light Railway BIRKENHEAD TRAM EXTENSION PLAN Thursday 4 March 2004 Regeneration board Wirral Waterfront have this week revealed plans to extend the current Birkenhead Heritage Tramway from its current Woodside Ferry Terminal to Taylor Street so that it goes into the town centre. It is planned for the extension to be in operation by 2008 when an influx of additional tourists are expected to cross the Mersey from Liverpool when it is the European Capital of Culture. It is expected that the cost of the project would be upwards of £5 million and Wirral Waterfront are now expected to start lobbying the EU and the government in London for funding to help bring the project to life. The proposal would see an extension from the Woodside terminal to Europa Boulevard and discussions have already commenced with private landowners and the Strategic Rail Authority over a piece of disused railway line. Ray Squires of the regeneration board said "The feasibility study has been completed and this was the best option. Woodside is just too far out of the town centre. This would link it up, which would be good for ferry passengers. We are working hard to put these plans into action now. It would be a great bonus for Birkenhead." Source: icLiverpool STEPHEN FRY TO RECORD NET ADVERTS Thursday 4 March 2004 Actor Stephen Fry has recorded a series of 6 30-second adverts for local radio station Trent FM to be broadcast over the first 5 weeks of operation for Nottingham Express Transit (just 5 days to go now!). Although he is a great classic car fan he was keen to support NET and in some of the ads pokes fun at the "joys of the internal combustion engine" and describes a motorist stuck in a "hideous traffic jam." All of these adverts end with Fry advising people to "take the tram". This series of adverts will eventually be replaced by interviews with the people of Nottingham on the streets discussing the joys of NET. Source: This is Nottingham |