If NET can overcome the hurdles now in their way, getting planning powers and satisfying other conditions of the funding – including (the government’s favourite) keeping costs under control, it is hoped construction would be able to commence in 2010 (yes that’s right in 4years time!) with trams hopefully running by 2013. Phase Two will see NET serving both the south and west of the city and would double the number of stops and the size of the tram fleet.

The next steps for the promoters, which should take place early in 2006, will be for them to both confirm the proposals by approving the move to apply for a Transport and Works Act Order, which will be submitted to the DfT. This requests the DfT to provide planning powers to both build and operate Phase Two, before this can be granted a Public Inquiry has to take place, which is likely to occur at the end of 2007. As well as the Inquiry, detailed construction design information and detailed procurement costs have to be supplied to the Secretary of State for Transport, before he will make a decision on whether to give the TWAO to the scheme.

Speaking about the announcement, Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “The Nottingham tram has been a great success in encouraging people onto public transport. These extensions provide the opportunity to continue this success, and give people in the south of Nottingham quicker, more convenient access to the city centre. We're still at an early stage in the approval process, but we will continue to work with the Nottingham authorities so they can deliver a tram that is attractive to passengers and value for money for the taxpayer. Programme Entry demonstrates our support for the extensions.”

Those who have been promoting the scheme are of course highly delighted by the announcement, which many must have feared would never be forthcoming. Cllr John Taylor, chair of the NET Development Board, said: “"This announcement is hugely significant for Nottingham, and I’m absolutely thrilled that the Government has endorsed the case we put to them for more tram lines as well as backing it up with funding. We’ve always said a network was needed now we have the exciting prospect of making it a reality."

“It means that the government agrees that NET Phase Two represents value for money and is the best solution for Greater Nottingham’s transport needs. We wish to thank many of Nottingham’s business leaders and residents who have supported us in lobbying Government decision makers to back NET Phase Two and ask for their continued support as we take the scheme through the rest of the approval process” he added.

His views were echoed by Steve Barber, chairman of the Beeston and Chilwell for Integrated Transport group: “With a high quality transport system in place it will increase the number of jobs. And for the elderly and disabled in Beeston it will be fantastic because it will take them to the Queen's Medical Centre. It will bring the hospital right to the heart of the community it serves."

Nick Palmer, MP for Broxtowe, added: “"I've always said I'm in favour of the extension of the network. I've got some arguments about the routes in Beeston and Chilwell but I think it would be crazy if the most successful public transport development in Britain since the London tube were to be limited to one line. I believe in 20 years' time we're going to see a network covering most of greater Nottingham. What we've got here is an enormously successful project which is helpful to people to give them a positive alternative to driving into Nottingham, increasing local pollution, blocking up the roads and frustrating everybody."

Of course you can’t please all of the people all of the time, and this is a case in point with several groups and individuals unhappy about the decision. Lloyd Wildish, from the Better Community Transport Group, said: “We will be going to the public inquiry and presenting our position there. Our main concern is that over a third of Neville Sadler Court, in Beeston, will be demolished. The route also goes down two quiet cul-de-sacs that have never been through routes before."

Gordon Court, Environment NOT Trams, commented: “It has been demonstrated in a study by Melbourne University that their trams and trams in general are actually less environmentally friendly than buses and cars. The trams have to run on electricity, which is produced by power stations which kick out a load of pollutants and if you compare the number of passenger miles done in a tram to those by other means of transport and the amount of pollution produced, those other means of transport are more environmentally friendly."

Where is the funding coming from?
* National Government – up to £437 million
* Nottingham City and County Councils – up to £141 million
Current estimates only have the cost of constructing the extensions at £400 million with three quarters (£300 million) coming from Whitehall and the remaining quarter (£100 million) from the local councils, but with the project still having a while to go the extra money is there in case of cost escalation.

Just where will the extensions go?
There will be two lines, one heading for Chilwell via Beeston and the other to Clifton via Wilford, both of these will leave the current line at the Station Street terminus.

Chilwell Line will serve:
Queens Medical Centre
University of Nottingham
Beeston Town Centre
Chilwell
Toton Lane for the A52 (Park and Ride)
This line will be served by trams from Hucknall. The new track will total 9.8km, eight new trams will be needed and will have to pass over the Midland Mainline, this is considered to be one of the most difficult parts of the construction.

Clifton Line will serve:
Wilford
Ruddington Lane
Holy Trinity
Clifton Lane for the A453 (Park and Ride)
This line will be served by trams from Phoenix Park. The new track will total 7.6km, seven new trams will be needed and will cross the River Trent and run along part of the former Great Central Railway alignment.

* A outline map of where the routes will go can be found here. For more details on the whole NET Phase Two project visit the official website here.
Source: Department for Transport, Government News Network, Nottingham Express Transit, This is Nottingham & BBC News Online

DLR STRATFORD INTERNATIONAL EXTENSION GIVEN GO-AHEAD
Sunday 29 October 2006
The DfT have given the go-ahead for the opening of the Docklands Light Railway extension to serve Stratford International railway station and the 2012 Olympic site, by granting a Transport and Works Act Order. This route will see the closure of the existing heavy rail North London line from Stratford to Canning Town on 10 December 2006, with conversion of existing stations on this route to DLR standards.

The extension will serve existing stations at Stratford, West Ham, Canning Town and Royal Victoria with new fully accessible stations built at Star Lane, Abbey Road, Stratford High Street and Stratford International. The DLR station at Stratford International will be an important link to Eurostar services and the Olympic Village.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “The extension of the Docklands Light Railway to the new Stratford International station is central to London's preparations for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will mean that visitors from all over the world will be able to access the Olympic Park quickly and easily, and will provide a lasting legacy for London, bringing much-needed regeneration to the areas along the route.”

The aim is to open the extension in 2010, in plenty of time for the Olympics, at which time services will be increased from the current two an hour to at least ten an hour, with more at peak times. The full capacity of the line will enable 27 trains an hour to be operated as necessary during the 2012 Olympics.

Ian Brown, Managing Director of TfL London Rail and Chairman of Docklands Light Railway said: “I am delighted that Docklands Light Railway has been given the green light for its Stratford International Extension which will be key to the Olympics and to meeting ever-growing passenger demand. Docklands Light Railway has an unrivalled track record for delivering extensions on time and on budget. It has also demonstrated consistently high levels of punctuality and customer satisfaction, making it perfectly placed to deliver this key rail link by 2012. Once complete, the Stratford International Extension will link up with other Docklands Light Railway extensions to London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal, providing a direct cross-river passenger link from Stratford to the centre of Woolwich.”

Funding for the scheme comes from Transport for London’s £10 billion Investment Programme and a contribution from the Olympic Delivery Authority. The total value is likely to exceed £200 million. The process of selecting companies to design and build the line has already commenced with preliminary work likely to start in January 2007.

* The full decision letter from the DfT can be found here and the full Inspectors Report here.
Source: Docklands Light Railway

TRAMS COLLIDE IN BLACKPOOL
Sunday 29 October 2006
Jubilee 761 hit the back of Centenary 641 in an incident on South Prom in Blackpool on the evening of Friday 27 October in the Barton Avenue area. The trams were both heading northbound when the collision took place at 1945, on one of the traditionally busiest nights of the year on the tramway.

641 had stopped at the stop when 761 struck it, with passengers being loaded. Six people were taken to hospital, including three members of the tram crews, after three ambulances were called to the scene, their progress being hampered by the heavy Promenade traffic, caused by the illuminations. Eventually the ambulances had to reach the scene by travelling along the tram tracks.

A spokesman from the Ambulance Service said: “An emergency rescue operation was put into place. Three ambulances were dispatched and an ambulance officer made his way to the scene. When we first got the call our worst fears were that this was a serious incident and we treated it as such. We treated six people at the scene for back and neck injuries and ferried them to hospital in the three ambulances. Fortunately the incident was not as serious as first thought. This was a low impact crash."

The tram service was suspended until the RAIB had been informed and given clearance for the two trams to be moved back to the depot. This was granted within an hour, after which trams started to run through the area again.

Both trams have now been transferred to the depot for repairs to the undertaken. It is not believed that either tram is seriously damaged.
Source: Blackpool Today & Paul Turner from Yahoo! Groups Blackpool_Transport

MIDLAND METRO MUST WAIT UNTIL 2008 FOR DECISION
Sunday 29 October 2006
Promoters of the Midland Metro extension to Brierley Hill have been rocked by the news that a decision will not be forthcoming on whether funding would be given to the scheme until 2008 at the earliest. This is because the money looks like coming from the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF), and if the West Midlands are not awarded the money from this to fund these extensions then the government will not be able to approve it.

The announcement was made by Transport Minister Tom Harris during a debate in Westminster Hall secured by Labour MP for Stourbridge Lynda Waltho. She commented: “The Midland Metro, as outlined today, is a vital component for improving the Black Country, connecting some of the most deprived wards and linking the four strategic centres of Brierley Hill, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton and Walsall. It is a critical element of the Black Country Study which the Government has already shown its support for, and I have urged the minister to give the necessary approvals for the Phase One extensions for our region.”

In reply Mr Harris said: “In light of the fact that we will consider the Midland Metro extension in the context of the full TIF package, my officials wrote to the promoters in March to explain that we could not give the scheme any form of financial approval separately from, and in advance of, receiving and considering the TIF bid in 2007. The promoters told us that they nevertheless still wished to send the Department their outline business case for the extensions as soon as it was ready, and they did that in July this year. We agreed that, as far as we were able, we would undertake an appraisal of the scheme. However, although we can explore the assumptions and calculations underlying the bid, we are not able to provide a definitive assessment of the value for money of the scheme on its own. It will ultimately need to be considered alongside the other measures that form part of the west midlands TIF bid.”

He continued: “The earliest that conditional approval could be granted in accordance with the anticipated TIF timeline is late next year or early 2008. Based on an approval date of January 2008, the promoters estimate that the total cost would be some £409 million. My officials have been working closely with the promoters since receiving their outline business case and will continue to assess the case as far as possible. However, as I said before, given the source of funding available, it can be approved only if the west midlands authorities’ TIF bid is also approved.”

This has been met with disappointment across the West Midlands with Ian Brough, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber, commenting: If you want to get to central Birmingham from the western reaches of the Black Country, your options are almost nil if you want to get there in a sensible time. There is a lack of cohesive strategy and thinking from Government. My real worry is that the congestion charge debate gives the Government the chance to procrastinate on the Metro."

Despite the seemingly negative aspect to this story Centro-PTA see the debate as a positive step forward in the process of getting funding for the line. Gary Clarke, the chairman, said: “There is no doubt that Midland Metro is crucial for the economic prosperity of the Black Country and the West Midlands as a whole, providing jobs, redevelopment, improved access to vital facilities and social inclusion. We have provided the Government with a robust scheme which represents excellent value for money and wish to press forward with implementing the lines as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone."

It had been hoped in 2004 when the Public Inquiry closed on this extension, that construction would be completed by 2008 – this of course is now an impossibility with further delays likely before any decision is even made on funding, and there is no guarantee this will ever be given.

* For a full transcript of the debate in Westminster Hall involving Ms Watho, Mr Harris and Khalid Mahmood (Labour MP for Perry Barr) click here.
Source: Centro, icBirmingham & UK Parliament

RAIB REPORT RELEASED INTO BLACKPOOL BALLOON DERAILMENT
Sunday 29 October 2006
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch have released their report into the 6 July 2006 minor derailment of Balloon 720 at Pleasure Beach. The report states that the immediate cause of the derailment was the trailing wheelsets travelling towards the inner loop after the front wheels had taken the southbound track to Starr Gate. The cause of this is because the points had not been correctly returned to their normal position after Balloon 724 has entered the loop.

724 had entered the loop at Pleasure Beach because it was running short due to late running, and had been followed from Cleveleys by 720. On board 724 was a trainee conductor and he had changed the loop points under the supervision of the conductor, and after the tram had passed the points and entered the loop he returned them to their correct position. However, when 720 passed over the points the switch rails moved away from the stock rails causing the rear of the tram to derail.

The report gives the casual/contributory factors as:
* The hand points mechanism had not been correctly returned to the normal position and was in an unstable state before the passage of 720
* the stiffness of operation of the hand points mechanism
* the disturbance of the switch rails and subsequently the hand points mechanism by the passage of the leading wheelset
* the crabbing of the leading bogie on the approach to the switch rails.

No blame by the RAIB has been given to any of the tram crews involved in the incident, but they do make two recommendations to ensure incidents like this do not happen again:
* Blackpool Transport Services should develop and document a method of hand points operation to ensure that the mechanism is not placed in an unstable state
* Blackpool Transport Services should put in place a system to ensure that the method identified in Recommendation 1 above is correctly trained at induction and applied in day to day operations by staff throughout their employment.

* The full report (including diagrams of what actually happened) can be found here.
Source: RAIB, Blackpool Today & BBC News Online

IT’S IKEA AMPERE WAY AS TRAMLINK GOES AHEAD WITH TRAM STOP SPONSORSHIP
Sunday 29 October 2006
The Tramlink stop at Ampere Way has now been officially renamed Ikea Ampere Way as bosses at TCL have given the go-ahead to receive sponsorship from local companies to add their name to all stops on the network.

Talking about this name change, Roger Harding said: “This arrangement dates back to the timetable change in July. We have had a lot of queries from passengers about the location of Ikea, but really it stems from the store itself which wants to get more people using public transport to ease traffic congestion."

He added: “I don't want to go into the details of the arrangement, but the money will be put back into improving the system for everyone. It's no different from sponsorship used by other companies. We are a private sector company and it is something we saw happening from the beginning. We would certainly consider doing it at other stops. When the Park Place development is completed the tram stop will be moved to the other side of George Street and could be re-named accordingly."

The signs at Ampere Way were changed last week, although announcements on board the trams have been in place for around a month.

A Spokesman from Ikea commented: “We are planning to lower the emissions caused by car traffic to the store. About 25 per cent of visitors to our Croydon store are using public transport and our aim is to increase this figure in the future. We are working on plans together with Tramlink and Transport for London to make travelling by public transport more attractive for our visitors and the 750 Ikea workers in Croydon."
Source: Croydon Guardian & icCroydon

LIVINGSTONE ADMITS HE DOESN’T HAVE FUNDING FOR WLT
Sunday 29 October 2006
The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, has admitted that he does not currently have any funding in place for the controversial West London Tram scheme, and that he will have to apply to the government for money it is does get the go-ahead.

Cllr Jason Stacey, leader of Ealing Council, said: “He is about to take us through a very expensive public enquiry for something he doesn't have the money for. I'm glad he's finally admitted something we've all known for a long time - that he doesn't have the cash."

This week has also seen the Conservatives accusing Mr Livingstone of making the recent consultation figures suit him as much as possible. It was revealed that 44% of respondent were against the scheme with 40% in favour, but the Tories say that three quarters of those opposed said they were “vigorously” so.

Angie Bray, London Assembly Conservative member for West Central London, said: “This is further evidence of the Mayor attempting to spin and fudge poll results in order to justify this scheme. We will continue in our efforts to ensure that this proposal ends up where it belongs - and where most people want it - on the scrapheap."
Source: Ealing Times

EDINBURGH: ROSEBURN COMMUNITY GET CONSULTATION CHANCE ON TRAM PLANS
Sunday 29 October 2006
Last Thursday (26 October) communities surrounding the Roseburn Corridor got a chance to view and comment on the preliminary design for Edinburgh’s tram network at a drop-in event.

The idea of the consultation meeting was to give residents, businesses and the general public the chance to see the preliminary design proposals in detail for their local area. Over 5,500 addresses in the area were sent letters inviting them to attend the meeting and 400 posters were displayed in the area.

Willie Gallagher, chairman of tie, said: “Delivering a new and exciting transport choice for Edinburgh is a large undertaking, and since the beginning we have been committed to ensuring that residents and businesses are consulted and kept informed about the project. These events, where everyone is welcome, will allow all interested parties to see the next stage of design plans and discuss these with the experts who can answer their questions.”

It is planned to hold further meetings in Leith, New Town, West Edinburgh, Granton and Gyle/Ingliston. However, dates for these events have yet to be revealed.
Source: tie & The Scotsman

CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE NEWS UPDATE
Sunday 29 October 2006
The progress on the current major restoration project of London United Tramways 159 continues to be slow with work continuing with the glazing and the waist rail rubbing strake on the west side has been made and fitted along with other woodworking tasks on the lower saloon. A start is now being made on fitting the floor slats on the upper deck whilst wiring for the lower saloon lighting and bell circuits is now in situ. Further problems regarding the driving wheels has been discovered, shrinkage cracks were originally found which lead to non-destructive testing taking place, and this has found further cracks. The implications of this cracks are now being determined.

It is hoped that London Transport 1622 will be released back into traffic soon after initial testing has proved to be positive, following its motor pinion problems. Meanwhile, fellow London tram MET 331 is back in service following extensive work to both line switches. The tram will, however, require further work at a later date.

Glasgow 22 is currently out of service without its motor after excessive noise was noted coming from it whilst in service. The motor was removed and sent away to contractors and it was discovered that a bearing in the pinion end had failed and the associated housing was starting to come loose. The tram is now awaiting the refitting of the motor to the truck, which has now been returned.

Both Sheffield 510 and Halle 902 are currently out of service, with 510 awaiting the return and fitting of the repaired leaf spring and 902 having investigations into recurring electrical faults.

It is proposed that the winter running fleet will comprise Glasgow cars 22, 812 and 1297, Leeds trams 345 and 399 and Berlin 3006, with the possibility of one additional tram.

* Why not become a member of the Tramway Museum Society, and help to ensure tram preservation continues at the UK’s leading tram museum? For more details see here or here.
Source: Contact from the Tramway Museum Society

CIVIL ENGINEERS CALL FOR MORE NEW LIGHT RAIL IN STATE OF NATION REPORT
Sunday 22 October 2006
The annual “State of the Nation” report from the Institute of Civil Engineers has called on the introduction of more “properly justified schemes…as quickly as possible.” The report is scathing on government policy of rejecting recent light rail projects in South Hampshire and Leeds, saying that it will cause chaos and also calls on the Midland Metro extensions to be built as well as saying NET is the best system in the UK.

The report says: “It is estimated that new light-rail services replace 13 million car trips in the UK every year. However, the Government’s withdrawal of support for three schemes in Hampshire, Leeds and Merseyside now places a serious question mark over its commitment to light-rail. Local rail schemes should be included in the new regional-level prioritisation of major (over £5 million) transport schemes. Until then, the integrated transport systems needed to support regional spatial and economic strategies will prove elusive.”

The reports goes on to look at three regions of the UK and their public transport – East Midlands, West Midlands and the South East. In the East Midlands, NET is praised: “a new light-rail system linking the railway station with the city centre and the north of the conurbation has profoundly affected life in the area with improved accessibility, reduced local congestion as well as acting as a catalyst for development and regeneration.”

It goes on to say: “In its second year, over 9.5 million trips were made on NET, breaking its targets. High-quality design, reliable services, priority signalling and links with rail, bus and park-and-ride services have all been instrumental in NET’s success.”

In the West Midlands the ICE says that the region is one of the worst afflicted for congestion and that the government need to encourage more use of public transport in the region: “The Midland Metro opened in 1999 and plans to extend the system were one of the few light-rail schemes to survive a recent Government review. The final business cases for two extensions are currently with the Government.”

Finally, the report is critical of the decision to throw out the South Hampshire Rapid Transit scheme saying it: “promises chaos on the roads for existing and future residents of Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham. Phase one of the scheme – promoted by Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council – would have provided a fast, frequent and reliable tram service linking the three towns and taken three million car journeys a year off the roads in one of the most congested areas of the South East. Gosport, in particular, the largest town in the UK without a rail link or station, would have benefited. The decision is even more baffling given the Government’s housebuilding ambitions for the area, which involve the construction of up to 80,000 new homes. There is nothing ‘sustainable’ about a community that lacks adequate transport links.”

* A full copy of the report can be found here. The local transport section starts from page 26.
Source: Institute of Civil Engineers, Centro & BBC News Online

BLACKPOOL TRACK WORK OFFICIALLY REVEALED
Sunday 22 October 2006
Blackpool Council have officially revealed that the tramway will be closed between North Pier and Starr Gate for trackwork to take place from the start of November between Manchester Square and South Pier.

Cllr Fred Jackson, Cabinet Member for the Urban Environment said: “The work has been programmed to coincide with the quieter off-season period and each end of the site has been placed to ensure there is a pedestrian crossing to allow pedestrians to safely cross to the pavement on the opposite side. The road and through- access for vehicles will remain unaffected and access to South Pier will be maintained.”  

During the work a tram service will be operated from North Pier to Fleetwood and return, with replacement buses being used between North Pier and Starr Gate. The replacement bus service will not use the tram stops but will rather observe the current “Line 1” bus stops along the Promenade.

As well as the poor track being replaced it is planned to fit a noise reduction system on this stretch. This is the first part of the £11 million grant from the DfT earlier this summer.
Source: Blackpool Council & Blackpool Today

METROLINK DISRUPTION THROUGHOUT NEXT SUMMER
Sunday 22 October 2006
It seems likely that there will be significant disruption on the Metrolink Bury-Altrincham line next summer when major engineering work to replace the worn out track takes place, as part of the £102 million grant awarded last year.

Paul Griffiths, projects director for the GMPTE, said: “We are planning to invest millions of pounds in replacing sections of worn-out track on the Bury and Altrincham lines during summer 2007. The bidding process to appoint a contractor to carry out the work is now well under way and we hope to announce the successful bidder in the next few weeks. The track on the Bury and Altrincham lines is more than 50 years old in some places as the routes were used by trains until Metrolink took them over in 1992. The new track will provide passengers with a much smoother and quieter ride.”

It is not known yet when the works which actually take place but the summer seems most likely, so as to cause the least disruption possible. Mr Griffiths added: “We anticipate that the new track will be laid during the summer months next year so that it causes less disruption. Replacement buses will provide links to stops along the lines while the work takes place. We hope that passengers will be prepared to put up with some inconvenience next summer for what will be a massive improvement to the Metrolink network in the long run. We'll be releasing further details about the work later this year."

The money for this work comes from the £102 million grant for new trams, ticket machines, stop improvements and track replacement awarded last year by the Department for Transport. £44 million will come from the GMPTE and £58 million from the DfT.
Source: Bury Journal

LIVINGSTONE TO CONTINUE WITH WEST LONDON TRAM
Sunday 22 October 2006
It is widely reported that despite the latest consultation saying that 44% of people oppose it, with only 40% wanting it, Mayor Ken Livingstone is still going to press ahead with the plans for the West London Tram.

Cllr Jason Stacey, leader of Ealing Council, said: “This survey confirms that the more people know about the tram the more they are likely to oppose it. In Ealing, Hanwell and Acton, residents are right to be particularly angry as it is in these areas Mayor Livingstone’s plans entail the diversion of traffic on to neighbouring roads. Ealing Council made a unanimous decision in May to oppose the tram, and this survey only confirms our resolve. We will fight these proposals every step of the way, and if the Mayor takes this muddle-headed scheme to a public inquiry we will be ready to take him on."

Mr Livingstone revealed at a press conference this week that he would be pressing ahead with the plans and would be applying for a Transport and Works Act Order within a few months, and the hoped for start date of construction at the end of 2007.

Richard Barnes, London Assembly Conservative member for Ealing and Hillingdon, said: “The Mayor hasn't got the public support nor the cash to fund this ill-judged scheme. Following up this plan is political suicide, and it remains to be seen if those within Government who supported the Mayor in 2003 on the WLT will still feel the same in the future. My instinct is that they won't and perhaps the Mayor is secretly hoping the Treasury will provide him a get-out clause by refusing funding, thus allowing him to save face given that he hasn't the grace to admit he was wrong and to scrap the WLT."

Peter Hulme Cross, from the One London Party, said: “This is a classic case of Ken saying he knows best and ignoring the wishes of the people who live along the route. He still has to get this through a public inquiry and find the funding so hopefully those two things will stop him."
Source: This is Local London & Hillingdon Times

INJURED SOLDIER RENAMES METROLINK TRAM
Sunday 22 October 2006
An injured soldier from Bolton was the guest of honour at the re-naming ceremony for Metrolink 1020 as Lancashire Fusilier on Sunday 8 October. Fusilier Andy Barlow lost a leg after a landmine exploded when he went to the aid of an injured comrade in Afghanistan in September.

The tram now has new name plates with embossed metal and gold lettering on a black background. There is also a three-dimensional crest fixed in the centre of the front and rear dash panels, this causes the fleet number to be split (i.e. 10 crest 20A).

Mr Barlow said: “It was an honour to represent the regiment. I started off as a fusilier in Bury as a drummer, and then worked my way up into the battalion as a machine gunner."

Representatives from Serco Metrolink, the GMPTE and the GMPTA were all present at the ceremony, which is a tribute to the soldiers who have served with the Fusiliers since its formation in 1688.
Source: Bury Journal & Gordon Ferguson

DELIGHT CONTINUES IN BLACKPOOL OVER WESTERN TRAIN FUNDING
Sunday 22 October 2006
The Blackpool Today website continues to be updated with reaction to the Heritage Lottery Fund grant for the restoration of the Western Train 733+734. Blackpool Transport have been inundated with e-mails and letters from the public since the announcement was made about the £278,000 award.

Blackpool Transport’s own Bryan Lindop, commented: “The response from the public has been amazing. We have had loads of e-mails and letters backing the project and even offers of help from people. It just shows us how many people are passionate about getting the Western Train Tram back to where it belongs – carrying visitors along the Golden Mile, all lit up. The red tape should all be dealt with by the end of next week and then it's a case of finding a space in the depot to start the work so our engineers can get to work on her."

Philip Higgs, from the LTT, was also quoted in the Blackpool Today article offering the Trust’s assistance to the project: “The funding news is excellent for the transport heritage in Blackpool. We will offer all the help and support we can to make the Western one of the best trams in the world once again. "We are hoping to keep people up-to-date with the latest developments on the tram project through our website (Blackpool Trams.info) where people can see what progress is being made. The project should not be rushed and I think two years is a realistic goal. It is only when you get into the shell of the tram that you notice how much work needs to be done. This is an ambitious project and I am looking forward to helping Blackpool Transport any way I can."

Meanwhile bosses at Blackpool Transport are trying to trace two boys who were snapped next to the Western Train just a few weeks before the tram was originally launched into service back in 1962 (follow this link to view the photo).

Bryan Lindop said: “It's a great picture of two young boys who are mesmerised by the Western Train tram but we have no idea who they are. By now they should be well in their 50s and I hope they read or see this, recognise themselves and give us a call. We want to invite them to see the restoration of the Western Train tram and see its relaunch in two years time. We would also like to recreate the shot – that would top off a great mystery."

If anyone can identify the two boys there are contact details on the above link to Blackpool Transport.
Source: Blackpool Today

TRAMLINK BOSSES VOW TO OVERCOME RECENT PROBLEMS
Sunday 22 October 2006
In an article in the Croydon Guardian bosses at Tramtrack Croydon Limited (TCL) have vowed to put the recent problems (including the power issues which saw no services for a time last month) behind them to ensure that the Tramlink network continues to be a vital and valuable cog of the transport network in Croydon.

Roger Harding, General Manager, said: “We've had a few problems but there has been nothing that has been too major," he said, "Apart from last week's closure, which was due to people stealing. We've become an integral part of the Croydon community and the fact that people were so frustrated last week just goes to show how successful we've been over the past six years, as people really rely on us. We've just been a bit unlucky."

In the same article and interview in the paper Mr Harding also attempted to reassure motorists that the extra 6 trams an hour around the central Croydon loop which would be seen if the Crystal Palace extension was given the go-ahead would not affect them adversely. He said: “We can certainly handle the extension. The town centre has been subject to significant re-engineering so it's not as congested. The latest congestion problems in the town centre have been caused by work on the roads that have been forced on the council. But we are certainly ready to deal with what ever comes our way."

However, Peter Morgan, spokesman from the Croydon Road Users Forum, was not convinced by this: “I'm certainly not as confident as Tramtrack is that the proposed extension will not lead to increased traffic in the town centre. It will bring more traffic and it is unlikely to relieve traffic. I don't even think there is a major demand for the Crystal Palace extension, surely they could spend the money on improving other aspects of Croydon's transport system?"
Source: Croydon Guardian

CROYDON TRAMLINK NEWS UPDATE
Sunday 22 October 2006
On Sunday 17 September, at approximately midnight, 2547 derailed on the east ladder by line 15D in the Therapia Lane Depot Yard during a standard shunting manoeuvre. The first wheel pair on the front bogie derailed whilst the second pair took the rail. The following morning trams were run out along the west ladder to the west gate then reversed along the west through road and track 1 in the workshop. The tram was rerailed during the morning by a team from London Underground.

The tamper has now left the system after it completed its work at the start of the month. It is reported that the tram completed all sections of track that it was planned to do with both tracks from Arena Junction to the Cemetery entrance crossing at Harrington Road, the west end of Woodside stop, both tracks to the top of the slope past Blackhorse Lane at the point where the track was re-laid to Lower Addiscombe Road, the westbound track from Bingham Road to the Addiscombe Road bridge, the eastbound track from the Addiscombe Road bridge to the top of the slope to Bingham Road dealt with. In addition in the town centre the straight sections of track from the Sandilands road crossing to the Junction have been attended to whilst on the New Addington line both tracks from the boundary fence of Geoffrey Harris House where the track was re-laid to, to the horse crossing east of Addington Village, including all the re-laid track on Gravel Hill, were tampered. Ballasting is now taking place on these sections and a review will be made on all TSRs once this is completed.

Severe delays were felt on the system on Friday 13 October after a tram hit a car at Reeves Corner whilst working a Wimbledon service. The car lost its windscreen and both the British Transport Police and Metropolitan Police were in attendance. Trams were suspended on the loop with services terminating at East Croydon and Reeves Corner.

* For all the latest news from Tramlink, including details of the latest delays on the system and further details on the above news stories see the Unofficial Croydon Tramlink website.
Source: Unofficial Croydon Tramlink

TRAMS FOR EDINBURGH NEWS ROUND-UP
Sunday 22 October 2006
* The Scotsman, and is increasingly anti tram articles, this week reports that the official Trams for Edinburgh website has just launched a new feature detailing when and where roadworks will be taking place in connection with the tram project (in reality this has been on their website for at least 4-6 weeks).

Willie Gallagher, chairman from tie, commented: “It's vitally important to TIE that the tram network is built with the least disruption possible. By providing advance notice of our survey plans, in addition to letter notification, we can help to make the process even more efficient. Much of the survey work is non-intrusive, and the online facility goes into detail about what people can expect to see and hear, and how long the work is expected to last."

Cllr Ricky Henderson, city transport leader, added: “There will be a certain amount of disruption that is inevitable with a project of this size. It's vital that we do everything in our power to keep residents and businesses informed of what's happening, and the internet is a key tool for providing up-to-date information."

* It is also reported that plans for 40 flats opposite the Scottish Executive headquarters in Leith may be “derailed” by the tram. Planning officials are reported to be recommending refusal of the scheme because they believe it will be too close to the proposed tram line through the docklands. A spokeswoman for the developers, Cala Homes, said: “We've worked closely with the council over the last two years and cannot understand their concerns over 'prematurity' and the proposed tram. In terms of 'prematurity', the proposed development sits within a development area. With regards to the proposed tram, we are supportive and previously agreed to tram routes which do not affect our proposed development. We would welcome a detailed discussion with TIE to resolve any points of detail."

* The Edinburgh Railway Action Group have urged city council leader Cllr Ewan Aitken to scrap the plans to return trams to the Scottish capital. Harold Nicolson, the chairman of the group, claims that many rail lines in the region could be re-opened at a fraction of the cost of the proposed tramway.
Source: The Scotsman