For the next couple of weeks we are again going “Stop by Stop” on the Blackpool Tramway as we return to take a look at the two more recent tramstops which have joined the tramway following the opening of the North Station extension.
The first of those stops is Talbot Square. The extension is accessed from the main Promenade tramway at North Pier with a two way junction with double tracks leading both southbound and northbound. It is a signal controlled junction with road traffic on the Promenade stopped when trams need to head onto or off of the extension. After a short distance trams heading up to North Station come to a single platform stop called Talbot Square (trams heading in the opposite direction do not have a stop here with them stopping at North Pier shortly after crossing back over the Prom). This is as basic as it comes for a tramstop with just a sign telling you its Talbot Square. There are no information panels or any shelter although the nightclub located here does provide some shelter to anyone waiting, but most of those who wait are likely to be tram crew with crew changes often taking place here. As the stop is basically part of the footpath here it also does have phone boxes and a post box – possibly the only modern tramstop in the UK which has a post box?
012 calls at Talbot Square when heading up to North Station. The nightclub and it’s veranda which provides cover is seen beyond the tram and on the right we see the phone and post boxes located here.
A tram comes in the opposite direction and passes Talbot Square tramstop which can just be seen on the left with the phone boxes providing some context of location. The tram is 002 which is operating a service from Starr Gate to Fleetwood Ferry which takes a detour via North Station. 27th September 2024. (Both Photographs by Gareth Prior)