A row has broken out over the future of Tramtown, after news came out that it has been decided the former Fitting Shop where the attraction can be currently found is to be demolished as part of the redevelopment of the wider Rigby Road site.
The row started when Cllr Paul Galley (the leader of the opposition Conservative Party in Blackpool, and Tramtown’s Volunteer coordinator) released statements to say that he had been told by the Head of Estates at the Council and Blackpool Transport that the engineering buildings (which includes the Paint Shop, Body Shop and Fitting Shop) were set be demolished.
On the face of it, this is not exactly new news as planning permission for the demolition of the Paint and Body shops had previously been granted (admittedly the Fitting Shop was not included in this at the time), but since that was approved things have changed (probably several times) with the condition of the main tram depot worsening and remaining out of bounds, which had led to the opening of a small Tramtown exhibition in the former Fitting Shop last year.
The Fitting Shop, Paint Shop and Body Shop are all part of the same engineering buildings at Rigby Road and whilst it has been possible to allow volunteers and visitors access into the Fitting Shop, both the Paint and Body shops have remained closed off and out of bounds. Their condition is such that its likely a large expenditure would be needed to repair them and the promimity of the Fitting Shop would probably mean any demolition of those two would impact that as well.
Of note, when the original planning application went in the historic value of the workshops was rejected with the Built Heritage Manager saying: “No objections per se. The current buildings are in a terrible condition and it’s hard to define what’s original and what’s a later intervention so much of our concern for this site is its continuity in use for the heritage trams and their secure storage and repair.”
It had been the original plan that the main depot building at Rigby Road would be the basis for the Tramtown attraction but with apparent funding streams for that seemingly stalling that has been thrown up in the air, hence why the Fitting Shop was being used, temporarily.
It should also be noted that these plans for demolition have no immediate impact on the operation of heritage trams (although obviously losing any workshop facilities would case longer term issues of restoration and maintenance – albeit more standard, day-to-day maintenance can be done at Starr Gate where there is limited space for heritage trams).
After a weekend of much comment on social media, with petitions set up to “save the heritage trams”, Blackpool Council released a statement on their Facebook page refuting the claims that decisions had been made and reiterating their support for Tramtown and the heritage trams.
The statement reads: “Despite what you might have seen online, we are not getting rid of heritage trams. They are part of our history and our future.
“We are always looking at ways to protect that heritage across Blackpool and keep it safe so people can enjoy it for decades to come.
“That gets more expensive and difficult as things get older, but we are committed to the protection of our history, so it can be part of our future.
“There is a building at the Rigby Road depot which is in a poor condition and needs a decision making on its future. This is not the main heritage trams building but a workshop nearby.
“No decision on that workshop has been made, but it is in need of repair and that could be very expensive, so we have to make sure we make the right decision about its future.
“We do have a plan for Tramtown and protecting the heritage items by keeping them secure safe and dry alongside the heritage trams in the main shed, while we continue to support funding bids for a new Tramtown visitor experience.”
For now whilst decisions are made on what will happen with the engineering building, Tramtown will remain open for visitors on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays.
Its good to see an article on this hot topic that is fair and balanced, rather than being hysetrical – there have been claims that the Council are scrapping the trams and knocking down the main depot all over the place!
That said, I do fear that this is another major step towards a very grim future for the heritage trams in Blackpool. The suggestion that anything will be kept “secure safe and dry” in the old depot would be laughable if so much wasn’t at stake; I seriously fear that if the trams are left to deteriorate in there for much longer, some of them may well end up beyond viable restoration.
I think we’re at a point where a brand new, purpose-built heritage tram depot is needed urgently. Anything, even a small building, has to be better than what we have now! Hopefully someone with some common sense, and ideally a bit of imaginative thinking will take measures to ensure that a selection of the best heritage cars can remain in Blackpool with an operational future before its too late, even if some tough decisions have to be made along the way.
The full statement from Councillor Lynn Williams may be found on ‘Keep Blackpool’s Trams’ where she says ‘We do have a proposed plan for Tramtown and protecting the heritage items by keeping them secure safe and dry with the heritage trams in the main shed.’ I can only assume that Councillor Williams has been too busy to visit Rigby Road recently, if she really believes that!
Unfortunately, she twice writes ‘let me be clear’ in the statement. When used by a politician we all know that that means obfuscation, or indeed outright lies. Much of the rest of her statement is more interested in scoring political points over a rival, it appears.
‘There have been claims that the Council are scrapping the trams and knocking down the main depot all over the place!’ I must confess that I hadn’t heard that, although without the existing workshops the heritage trams will simply be left to rot in an inaccessible depot, where no work could possibly be undertaken.
But surely as Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Galley is doing exactly the same, scoring points over a rival? And Councillor Galley has been known to use your phrase “let me be clear” on several times in the past. So should we therefore, using your logic, consider that Councillor Galley is also not quite a truthful with the facts as Councillor Williams?
For TramTown to be considered seriously by all parties involved, it should be spearheaded by someone that does not have any conflict of interest which Coucillor Galley does, and will in time rub off negatively on TramTown.
I believe that Councillor Galley has been supportive of Tramtown for some time. My reference to ‘let me be clear,’ by the way, was intended as a humorous aside!
From conversations with a number of volunteers at Tramtown last Wednesday, each said the the arrival of individuals who had been invited to tender for the demolition by Council Officers came as a total bombshell, as those same Officers had not bothered to mention this in advance to any of the people who actually worked in Tramtown, a fact which suggests to me at least that the cut & paste response from Councillor Williams did indeed seek to mislead.
I agree that the leadership of Tramtown, assuming that in truth the council allows it to continue to exist, would perhaps be better if separated from politics, but frankly, I wonder if Councillor Galley had not raised the alarm, Councillor Williams and her people would simply have pushed ahead with their project?
The key questions have to be:
– What has the Head of Heritage done for a decade apart from get paid? Weren’t there supposed to be bids for a museum attraction?
– Where’s the roof money? Did it really all go on those daft architects plans?
– As the former Chair of Blackpool Transport wasn’t Councillor Galley aware of these plans years ago?
I believe that Councillor Galley resigned in May, 2023. I believe (although BTS and Blackpool Council are very reticent about releasing actual facts) that the claims about plans to demolish the Tramtown part of the site are of recent origin.
My understanding is that the original plan several years was to demolish the whole of the workshop complex (i.e. Body, Paint & Fitting Shops) and use the site for a new electric bus facility, with the tram workshop facilities transferred to the main depot as part of its refurbishment. This plan was seemingly dropped later on. Then, a new plan was made to demolish the Body & Paint Shops but keep the Fitting Shop, with the Tram Town exhibition inside.
It seems we’ve now reverted to Plan A, possibly because the workshops are in a worse state than was thought. However, as has already been rightly said, the main depot is just as bad if not worse and it appears that the money raised to replace the roof was spent on architects reports, so essentially we have nothing. But hey, a Councillor has told us not to worry, so everything must be fine…. right???
The plans to demolish the other parts were produced well before that and the Fitting shop was in and out of those plans so it can’t be any great surprise it now includes it.
What is needed is an assurance and public plan of where/how the workshop will move into the main depot.
According to people to whom I spoke at Tramtown yesterday, a small shed-like building to the right of the depot has been allocated. Looking at it, I think that I could possibly, with a bit of luck, get my 00 scale model tramway into it. In other words, it is obviously totally inadequate.
Another thought comes to mind. If the building was known to be unsafe, why did BTS/Blackpool Council allow volunteers, and the public, into it in the first place? Something here does not quite add up, at least in my opinion.
The Heritage workshops have always been foreseen to be in the former electrical compound in Rigby Road depot (which is the area behind the doors on the far right hand tracks of Rigby Road. This is quite a large area with two tracks with pit access. I suspect this is what the people you talked to meant but were not quite clear to you.
Maybe the fitting shop area is only being deemed unsafe due to the west wall (which is that on Blundell Street) is now showing signs of deterioration (bricks coming loose), plus once the paint and body shops are removed, the middle wall between the two may now have been found (following the recent inspection prior to the work being carried out) to be below sufficient standard to perform as an exterior wall and may need additional work (and cost) to address.
Could somebody give a fairly detailed list of the trams that remain at Rigby Road and, if possible their condition. I know that there are three Boats, two delightful Standards and two Coronations. How many Balloons, Brush cars and illuminated trams? Thank you.
See the fleetlists section of this very website…
http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/fleets/blackpoolfleet.html
Blackpools Heritage Trams need Money that is the bottom line , Without many Hundreds of thousands of pounds nothing will or can be achieved .
Councillor Galley and his Tramtown efforts are a positive move but even with cash that is doomed as there are no Skilled or un skilled staff to carry out any work on the Old Tram Fleet.
Starr Gate does not have the capacity to carry out the amount of work that the Old Fleet requires…
I know the 717 and hms were looked at and repaired by another tram musuems specialists which prob added extra cost to the already costly repairs
There were staff familiar with the Heritage Fleet, but BTS made most of them redundant, or reassigned them, early in 2025. At least, according to FTS.
Ultimately, Blackpool Council are there to run the whole town, not a heritage tramway. The collection at Rigby Road is far too big for the money and manpower available, and the buildings are rotten. Almost everything needs a lot of money spent on it to be of any use.
Given how hard up local governments are for money, I’m not surprised the Heritage trams are in the firing line.
Too much money has been wasted in the last 14 years on wrecks that have been dragged all round Lancashire without any useful progress. Best thing to do would be a heavy cull of the heritage fleet (with a strict “No return unless it is operational” clause, and firm deadlines for removal if cars are sold), and a smaller, new, weathertight building for a few static display cars and a couple of runners. Perhaps even hire/loan cars in for operation, and subcon out any heavy restoration work. Even that would be dependent on donations, which don’t seem to have been too forthcoming in the last decade.
Another thing to consider-if the heritage trams weren’t already there, would you choose Blackpool to start a heritage tramway? It’s not the nicest of places.
The preservation movement as a whole is going to have to make a lot of hard decisions in the next few years. Better to chop up the more rotten duplicates and focus on a few vehicles than lose the lot due to underfunding.
How will you ‘no return unless it’s operational’ idea work when the cars are not able to be worked upon? Or after BTS made those who had worked on the redundant?
‘Another thing to consider-if the heritage trams weren’t already there, would you choose Blackpool to start a heritage tramway? It’s not the nicest of places.’ THat really is not a valid argument, The fact is, the trams are there.
Quite simple-if a tram deemed surplus is sold on, the owner must take it away and find somewhere else to work on it. Blackpool transport completely washes it’s hands of it. If such facilities aren’t available, then it is a waste of time buying it. We do not need any more penniless owners failing to pay storage fees and having no means to do anything with their vehicle. It destroys so much good will in the people who we need it from most.
To be blunt-I think it better that the worst condition duplicates (i.e. mainly Balloons and Brush cars) need scrapping before any more money is wasted on them. What funds are available can then be concentrated better, which might result in a sustainable collection of presentable and usable trams.
My point about the location is entirely valid. They are there now, yes, but for how much longer? Can you build a sustainable museum and heritage operation in a run down seaside town in the north west of England? The current situation suggests not.
Actually I’d disgaree with you on the donations side of things. 663 has already had significant work done to it at the expense of its owner, and I believe more money is allocated to it. 704 also has money in the kitty. The FTT has also spent a lot of money on trying to get more of its trams operational but Blackpool Transport don’t seem that interested in helping despite standing to make good money from running them.
Just because work isn’t being done, doesn’t mean that money has not been given or at least offered towards it – the blame here lies with Blackpool Transport! Just look at 634; the Fylde Transport Trust paid for its repaint in the ‘Terror Tram’ livery, but BTS did not complete the commissioning of the car. It was duly transferred to East Anglia, where a small team of volunteers made short work of making it available for service, and it has become a very popular attraction there!
Fair point, and all due respect to those who are putting their money in. But you also prove my point-I count 51 heritage trams (including B fleet Balloons and trailers), yet you mention only 3 of them.
And that’s why volunteers should have been brought in to the maintenance side. Just imagine the wealth of experience and enthusiasm untapped – look at the MER how they work with volunteers on restorations!
They could have done all the non safety critical work.
The latest that I have heard is that Blackpool Council have received a large number of e-mails from those concerned about the possible demolition of the fitting shop. Many of the corespondents have then received a standard reply from the council which is factually incorrect. It states that no decision on the building has been made. However Paul Galley has been informed that the decision to demolish the building HAS been approved.
The engineering building, which contains the fitting shop, body shop and paint shop has always been a key part of the Rigby Road site and heavily used for tramcar maintenance and overhaul. The only thing that wasn’t done there was electrical work, which was usually undertaken in an area of the main depot to the right as you look at it, known as the electrical compound.
It doesn’t take a genius to see that with a depot full of trams, somewhere to maintain them is vital. I have never been a fan of the Tramtown idea. It takes up space and impedes repair and maintenance. The trams should be retained, but they should be displayed to the public in the way they were originally intended, by putting them into service out on the promenade. Turning Rigby Road into a tourist attraction sounds awfully like when the West Yorkshire Transport Museum closed down in favour of Transperience, and we all know how that went! there are simply not enough people with a deep enough interest to justify another museum. However there definitely are more than enough people for a full year-round heritage service and special tours. Depot tours could also run. without the need to turn the place into Disney World.
The costs associated with repairing the depot buildings are chicken feed compared to the very expensive regeneration going on right across Blackpool. I’m told that the engineering building is essentially a giant meccano set, so would be easy to repair. It was dismantled and brought to site after it’s original use elsewhere as part of the war effort for WW1. So bearing that in mind, surely it has some historic significance in itself?
This whole thing is another example of the Labour Party riding rough-shod over the wishes of the people and just doing whatever they like without any regard for anyone or anything else. The whole town of Blackpool needs to get it’s act together and the best way to start that would be a change of local government.
I have, to the annoyance of some of the tram community, been making my feelings on this matter known for the last fourteen months. When this latest narrative appeared I tried to ascertain if there was real dedicated interest out there who could look outside the current envelope, learn from wider heritage and preservation activities, and businesses, ask awkward searching questions, and seek a long term future. Result 100s of likes, an invitation from Galley to meet which when I responded was not followed up, and an invite to Tramtown which did not proceed due to other commitments, and nothing else! This is not how appeals get underway or succeed! There needs to be commitment and stubborn readiness to put the foot in the door, refuse to admit defeat and act with common purpose. I remain up for it – but when no-one seems prepared to actually put their head over the parapet. When in 264 pages of agenda the Council papers for next Wednesday’s council meeting don’t even contain the word tram, one must assume that there is a done deal out there and – let me make it clear – having seen Tameside Council do itself an injury last week, that whichever way they play it will cost them between £0.5 and £1m and see them over ruled by Westminster I have no faith in Blackpool Council doing any better. I have posted on all the Social Media Facebook sites I can find but am majoring on the Keep Blackpool Trams page. If anyone is up for some quick cage rattling – get in touch!
It makes me wonder why councils in general seem to mess things up; not just Blackpool. It happens in Oldham, for example with political ‘points scoring’, flawed and unpopular decisions etc. Why, when these people are in positions of trust, authority and responsibility to the people, do they get it wrong continually?
I’ve read the article and comments with interest. Unfortunately, one thing patently obvious is that the bottom line is all about lack of funds. It has been previously noted that places such as Prague have heritage tram services. However, unlike Blackpool which is, sad to say, a declining seaside resort, these other locations are in the main tourist hot spots of international significance and in so being can more easily raise the wherewithal to support heritage tram operation. Here in Great Britain, we have a perfectly good national museum at Crich, which is considered by many more than adequately to represent the history of trams throughout the British Isles including a sizable collection of retired Blackpool trams.
I suspect that what the blackpool heritage tram movement has tried to do is merely to replicate what already exists in the main at Crich. Clearly for Blackpool Tramway’s purposes a small collection of say three or four Balloons, a couple of Boats and no more than two illuminated trams would be more than sufficient to operate an occasional heritage service when patronage would most likely justify it, for example during the Illuminations. Those that have loaned trams to Blackpool should be invited to make arrangements to prepare to reclaim their vehicles so that they can organise accommodation or otherwise offer them elsewhere. I don’t honestly believe that Blackpool can afford to create a serious tram-themed tourist attraction any time soon. At best it can be observed that it was great while it lasted.
I would disagree that what the Blackpool Heritage Movement can in any way be compared with the National Tramway Museum. Blackpool, is unique in that it was the first urban electric street tramway to be constructed in Britain, and is the only first generation tramway still in existence in this country. Moreover, it could still see traditional Blackpool trams operating in their own town.
It is historical for both of these reasons, even if for some 13 years neither Blackpool Council nor Blackpool Transport Services have had the commercial acumen to seek to promote these attributes. In itself, it may or may not attract large numbers of visitors, but it is certainly part of a number of features, such as the tower, the piers, the Golden Mile, and the Pleasure Beach, which do.
Should people really shrug their collective shoulders and simply say, ‘it was good whilst it lasted?’ What if, for example, Alan Pegler had done the same with ‘Flying Scotsman?’ Blackpool is already, along with Jaywick in Essex, identified as among the most deprived towns in Britain. Ought an important part of the town’s history simply be written off, unless every possible attempt is made to save it, perhaps by taking responsibility out of the palsied hands of the struggling Blackpool Transport Services, and establishing Tramtown as, instead, a ‘Community Asset?’
This might still end in failure, but at least those so enthusiastic about the Heritage side of the tramway will have been given their chance. Something which, if recent reports are to be believed, Blackpool Council seem determined to prevent.
What did George Orwell say? ‘The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.’
So – on the 28th January full Council meeting Paul Galley asked questions of leader Cllr Williams. All he got for his trouble was vilification for his efforts particularly from Cllr Brooks whose conduct was deplorable. Williams did not like being the target for criticism and complained of threats in some of them. Unfortunately due to widespread lack of faith in the performance of modern day politicians and the rise of nasty politics that seems to be the way of things, but when polite politics has failed as spectacularly as it has here what chance is there for constructive discussion? To find that Tramtown has no formal constitution, no legal entity, no separate funding after fourteen years is a bloody disgrace. I have put ideas into the ring which are not a million miles from Paul Galleys and I have a thrity year colleague ready to do a full building survey on Rigby Road. Lets see if Blackpool Council and BTS want to deal with facts or whether they are putting on their running shoes!
I agree entirely. The disgraceful way in which Councillor Brookes attacked Councillor Galley for reasons which were entirely political, and had barely any connection to the Rigby Road situation, was very revealing. Just as Councillor Williams’ reading from an obviously pre-prepared script was illuminating, and shed alarming light on the manner in which Blackpool Council is being run.
The first thought which came to my mind was ‘Thank Heavens I don’t live in Blackpool!’
Given that Blackpool is indeed identified as a deprived area in a similar manner to Jaywick, would that not suggest that the Council has greater financial priorities to consider than a possible tourist attraction which may not bring any real returns on a large investment? Having seen the most recent Council meeting via the internet, it is clear that there is a great commitment to investing in improved housing among other projects beneficial to the community. It was most illuminating.
I did feel that there were no real solutions offered to resolve the problem of tramcar maintenance and housing of the equipment currently in the fitting shop. I got the impression that there was a hope that funding would become available to repair the main depot so that any equipment moved there would eventually become safe and dry. It seemed that demolition might cost less than half the amount to repair the workshops. I suppose that using the funding to fix the leakage in the main shed and render it safe for access would be a more effective in the long run as the operations for which the workshops are currently required could relocate within the main tram shed. Maybe there is a risk that any use of money for maintaining the workshops would take away funds vital to restoring the main shed to a functional consition.
As part of any process to reslove the issues with the tram shed, I feel a good clear out would assist. While retaining the Balloons, as they have the potential to generate the most revenue per area occupied, just a few examples of the other types of tram would suffice towards a reasonable collection. One twin car, one Centenary, one Vambac Coronation and one z4 conversion, plus a couple of Brush Cars and a couple of Boats along with the Balloons could easily be accommodated alongside a relocated works area, still leaving room for a few specials, such as illuminated cars and Standards. Any organisation wishing to reclaim unwanted trams (such as the City Class artic.) should be given ample notice to make all necessary arrangements. In any case, in my view such a tidy-up is long overdue! The remaining trams could make up a good heritage fleet capable of being maintained within the main building. Any idea of a tourist attraction should be placed on the back burner for more prosperous times – make keeping a manageable collection of historic trams going the main focus.
‘Given that Blackpool is indeed identified as a deprived area in a similar manner to Jaywick, would that not suggest that the Council has greater financial priorities to consider than a possible tourist attraction which may not bring any real returns on a large investment?’
Unfortunately, Blackpool Council has an astonishing level of debt, currently £570 million. This has risen by over £350 million since the year ending April 2023. Perhaps the state of Blackpool as a town degenerating into a sprawling slum has much to do with the quality of leadership? I admit to being biased, of course, as the local council where I live manages to run with a small surplus.
The improved housing idea involves the demolition of some 400+ dwellings, to the considerable alarm of those living therein. Despite this, the Council Leader, and her deputy/attack dog, Councillor Brookes, could not make time available to meet these people to discuss their concerns. Council leadership which behaves in this manner is hardly likely to show much interest in heritage, I suggest.
Make no mistake, despite pious pronouncements to the contrary, this Council ‘leadership’ have, at least in the opinion of many to whom I have spoken, no intention at all of doing anything about the main depot. I sincerely hope that I am wrong about this.
As BTS had to receive £500,000 from the Council (and I have no idea where the Council got that!) simply to meet their outstanding debts for one month, and their grandiose plans entirely to replace their existing bus fleet with an electric one have, not surprisingly, been put on hold, I don’t think that they are much interested, either.
I would wager that, in a short time, a Council Officer will, with solemn expression, announce that the trams in the depot are too far gone to restore, and that, with the very deepest regret, scrap dealers have been called in.
Unfortunately, the building supposedly to be offered to the Volunteers was pointed out to me a week or so ago. With a bit of luck, my OO gauge model tramway might just about fit into it. As a possible workshop, it is almost ludicrously unsuitable.
I understand that there has been precisely no investment in the Rigby Road site for around 15 years, by the way
One would hope and expect that before any trams are scrapped, that any belonging to other organisations such as FTT would be afforded the opportunity to be reclaimed. Also, it might be possible to offer a few of the resident heritage fleet to the preservation movement in general. I think that having the Western Train at Crich would prove a great attraction, even if it had to do a good deal of time at Clay Cross before its public debut. As yet they don’t possess a true illuminated feature tram.
I think the FTT should be thinking about evacuating their collection sooner rather than later. They don’t even have to go to other tramways if there isn’t enough room – literally anywhere with undercover storage will do. Bus museums for example. 304 will fit in nicely at Beamish now there’s a 1950s area. 279 is so nearly finished, perhaps Heaton Park would offer a suitable home?
I agree that Crich would really be a fantastic home for an illuminated feature car although I suspect the Western Train will be retained in Blackpool.
The majority of the trams are not owned by BTS and they cannot scrap what is not theirs. However I do fear that the crumbling state of Rigby Road depot is putting the trams inside at risk.
It seems that Tramtown is closed, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. No reason has been given, but, after Councillor Williams received something of a rough ride at the Council meeting on Wednesday, more than one person has suggested that an element of vindictiveness might, allegedly, be involved.
To quote from Iain Richardson (Sir Francis Urquhart, in ‘House of Cards’ ):- “You might very well think that – I couldn’t possibly comment.”
And this is why its difficult to support Tramtown – no transparancy, just playing the victim.
Just say why they are closed!
If there was an element of political vindictiveness I wouldn’t blame anyone after someone virtually organised a witch hunt breaking I am sure many council procedures and indirectly causing threatening emails to be sent.
In this case, I suggest that TramTown are not being disingenuous, but are perhaps constrained by what they might actually say. Many might suggest that what has happened is simply vindictiveness from a Council Leader & Deputy who were given a hard time at the recent meeting, but even if that were true, how would the TramTown volunteers, or the future (if any) of the workshop benefit by saying it?
Mr. Galley has said that the reason for the closure is an electrical fault. It behoves us to accept him at his word.
Given the reasons put forward for the proposed demolition of the workshops, it might simply be a matter of the usual Health & Safety regulations, in which case this would further the justification for going ahead with demolition. It’s even possible (though not very likely) that the Council may wish to sell the land to a developer so that the money raised could be used to repair the tram shed roof. Who really knows?
To quote the late great Arthur C Clarke “The truth, as always, will be far stranger.”
Having read the numerous postings and followed ‘developments’ on the subject of the Workshop, in my opinion the objectives of having a Heritage operation have been have become clouded, unclear and mixed in with other project initiatives over time.
I believe prior to the upgrade it had been the plan to erect a small depot next to the LRT shed at Starr Gate. This would have housed a collection of 10-12 Heritage trams that would represent the development of Blackpool trams as an early pioneer of the electric tramcar. An assumption at the time was that members of the Heritage tram fleet would operate in high season plus the illuminations period. Again an assumption was that the maintenance team at Starr Gate would be trained on maintaining the traditional trams alongside LRT fleet. Of the 10-12 heritage trams, about 4-6 would be prepared for service each year on a rotational basis. The spur line leading to where the Heritage depot would have been located is still in place.
Fast forward over the years, and most people (at least objective, pragmatic ones!) would agree the Heritage operation has struggled. The first couple of years after the upgrade resulted in unacceptable losses. Volunteer crewing was introduced, various operational formats were tried, such as ‘Blue’ and ‘Gold’ Days. During the Illuminations loadings seemed good, especially October half-term, but during much of the summer period, loadings were often light, sometimes embarrassingly so. More than once I observed a balloon travelling to Fleetwood with 2-3 passengers on board. Sometimes numbers could be boosted by private hires and fish and chip specials, but it’s difficult to substantiate the belief that the Heritage Trams are such a huge attraction that on their own will bring Joe Public and his family to Blackpool specifically for an historic tram ride.
Similarly it is hard to see how the costs of running a vintage tram operation in the main season and illuminations, housed in a separate depot, and with separate support staff can be justified. The business case just isn’t there!
Again fast forward over the last 13 years. The small depot at Starr Gate was never built, Hopton Rd depot, initially scheduled for demolition and the area redeveloped, never happened, and was retained for the heritage fleet. For reasons difficult to understand, a motley collection of ‘preserved’ trams accumulated at Hopton Rd, some donated to Blackpool council, others privately owned by either individuals or organisations. Most need significant restoration. Very little restoration has been carried on the trams, what little has been carried has been by private owners. In an open fronted building that is in poor condition with a leaking roof, small wonder the condition of the collection has deteriorated, and most are unusable. Years of underinvestment took its toll on the building, until it was recently declared unfit for use, and the Heritage operation ceased at the end of 2024.
For the last few years the ‘Tramtown’ development project has been underway, with Councillor Galley leading supported by a team of volunteers. On the face of it, this looks a grandiose scheme, encompassing a tram and bus display, housing for the heritage running fleet, cafe, business meeting facilities etc. The proposal is dependent on major repairs to Hopton Rd depot, and will not get off the ground without external funding.
The business case for grant application to refurbish the building looks shaky. Roof repairs (replacement?) is likely to cost millions, as is the replacement of the depot track fan, even a simplified one, will probably again cost 2-3 million. Add to that relaying the approach line from Manchester Square to the depot, possibly 2-3 million. Would proposed Tramtown generate the footfall, and demonstrate that to funding bodies justification for the investment? I doubt it!
The recent decision to close the former tram workshop which houses the Tramtown exhibition has been a distraction, with significant mis-information, and criticism, vitriol and indeed threats levelled at councillors and council officers. It has been known for some years the plan was to demolish the workshop, paint shop etc. The Tramtown team must have known it could only be temporary, so it seems difficult to understand why there has been such protest and hysteria that the proposed demolition will take place on safety grounds. The contention that the workshop is a crucial part of running a heritage operation sounds disingenuous. Equipment can be moved to a new location. The key is to identify the right location for heritage tram maintenance that is efficient, cost effective, and viable long term. Spending public money on a time expired building does not look like the answer.
It is obvious we have ended up with a difficult situation, and there are no easy answers. In my opinion, the short term answer is to get behind Blackpool Council and Blackpool Transport in providing a limited heritage service, operating from Starr Gate. Perhaps 5-6 serviceable trams providing some sort of variety over the operating season. Equipment for heritage trams currently in the workshop could be moved elsewhere, until such time as a more permanent arrangement is in place. As part of the longer term strategy, Blackpool Council could reassess the feasibility of a heritage depot at Starr Gate, to maximise on efficiencies from consolidation.
As for the Workshop investment, and indeed the Tramtown project, I don’t believe they are feasible, and are a distraction from the main objective of taking the heritage trams to the public. Far better to put the effort and money into seeing them running along the promenade than in some static display.
Following my previous posting, I have re-read input from others such as Frank Gradwell and Geoff Hewitt, and would like to add a few more thoughts.
Frank rightly makes the point Tramtown has no formal constitution, no appointed trustees etc. Given this is the case, it’s difficult to see how any application for charity status, Lottery or other grants can move forward. However, Frank’s contention that Tramtown has been in existence for 14 years I don’t believe is correct, it’s a more recent ‘initiative’.
The Heritage operation has been going in various forms since the LRT upgrade. As I mentioned it started in 2012 managed and operated by Blackpool Transport. After 2 years of unacceptable losses, management of the Heritage operation passed to (I think?) Blackpool Transport Trust, an arms length volunteer operation at both management and operational level. BTT had considerable autonomy in terms of rosters, format of the Heritage operation. The Heritage trams were owned by the council and maintained by Blackpool Transport at Rigby Rd. Confusingly another organisation, Blackpool Heritage Trams Trust was in being at the time. Unlike BTT, BHTT did own trams. These were formally owned by LTT (Lancastrian Transport Trust) now Fylde Transport Trust. Most of BHTT trams transferred to Rigby Rd, and it is assumed are still owned by FTT.
The volunteer run BTT continued as a semi-autonomous operation for a number of years. Gradually Blackpool Transport started to take on much of the Heritage management, the crew volunteers becoming “non-salaried employees”. Over time, tram maintenance began to fall behind, with fewer trams being available for service, and the output variety becoming less and less. The condition of the trams still running deteriorated markedly. It became clear the maintenance team was not coping with the needs of the operation. Little or no restoration work has taken place since the LRT upgrade. As we all know, the Heritage operation ceased abruptly at the end of 2024. 2025 saw a very limited operation of 2 trams during the illuminations period.
The emergence of ‘Tramtown’ as an initiative is I think more recent, and who dreamed up the vision is unclear. Worryingly, it seems in many eyes to be inextricably linked with the Heritage operation “No Tramtown, no Heritage trams”. I don’t believe this should be the case! Blackpool could run an effective heritage operation and meet demand with 10-12 trams, perhaps 6 running each year on a rotational basis to ease maintenance demands. There is of course the question of where the heritage fleet could be housed and maintained, but it does not necessarily have to be in a time-expired depot that requires millions spending on the fabric of the building, and the access track from the Promenade. It certainly doesn’t seem to make sense to tie in the Heritage with a grandiose scheme that will take years in grant applications and (should they succeed!) carrying out the work. It may make more sense to look elsewhere to house the heritage fleet.
Over the years, the heritage management structure seems to have evolved in a strange way that may not be conducive to moving forward in a coordinated, constructive way. It may also have contributed to today’s dire situation. Up to the time the heritage ceased operation, there was a volunteer Heritage Operations Manager in place, and the post may still be there. Additionally there is I believe a Heritage Manager, a salaried BT position. Then there is the Tramtown Volunteer group, led by Councillor Paul Galley. Just who is responsible for what, who reports to whom looks very unclear, and looks a recipe for confusion, internal and external politics and in-fighting. This does not look a good basis for developing a clear short and longer term strategy for the Heritage operation.
The history of the Heritage has been chequered from the start; let’s hope a new BTS MD and Blackpool Council takes a ‘root and branch’ approach to identifying what is best for council tax payers as well as the heritage operation. I say this more in hope than expectation given the challenges they will face! And given today’s situation, if anybody believes a fully functioning heritage operation, housed in and operating from Tramtown at Rigby Rd will happen in the foreseeable future, they must be an incurable optimist!!
Just some clarification on your post.
It was not “Blackpool Transport Trust” but “Blackpool Heritage Trust” (BHT) which was formed with its own Trustees and separate bank account with the view for it to become the registered charity operating the heritage trams. One of the Trustees was a BTS employee. BHT did own trams, as did BTS. Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours (BHTT) never owned trams and is the heritage operating department of BTS and continues today in this role.
When it was decided by BTS to abandon the aim of setting up a registered charity operation, Blackpool Heritage Trust (BHT) was merged with the Fylde Transport Trust, with the BHT owned trams transferring to the FTT assets.
To summerise:
BHT: Blackpool Heritage Trust, set up to form a separate registered charity, later merged into the FTT
BHTT: Blackpool heritage Tram Tours, a department of BTS operating the heritage trams and continues today
FTT: Fylde Transport Trust, an independent registered charity who owns a collection of trams and buses from the Fylde Coast region
By typing “Blackpool Heritage Trust” into the search bar of this web page, there are several articles explaining the situation at the time.
The Heritage operation has never been operated by any organisation other than BTS. All the volunteers were officially BTS employees and Heritage was/is a company department. The Blackpool heritage Trust was set up to look after vehicles which were all handed over to the FTT. This caused much upset but in hindsight probably wasn’t a bad move as BTS or the Council cannot get their hands on them. FTT Trams NEVER went over to the new trust, they always retained ownership.
The Trams were and are owned by BTS (and others). The Council do not own any trams directly.
And the depot is called Rigby Road, not Hopton Road.
The title Hopton Rd was used for accuracy, because that is where the depot is actually situated, and where the access track to the depot is. Hopton Rd and Rigby Rd have been used interchangeably over the years, but the more identifier most people use is Rigby Rd, which is the other side of Head Office building.
So here’s my question… When BHTT/BTS operated heritage services and tours, where did the money go? Fares were collected and on most occasions volunteer crews gave their time for free? Some money was made, so where is it? I’ve asked this before and the silence says a lot about BTS and Blackpool Council in general.
It all went on the Heritage Trams. Don’t forget there were wages to be paid as well as maintenance. Most years it made a small loss overall.
BHTT is a commercial operating department of BTS, and as with other BTS departments. Therefore it does not take much to work out that all monies taken on the Heritage trams went into BTS revenue account, the same way other BTS fares are paid in. I don’t think they have ever said the contrary either. The BTS publicly accessible accounts only show a “revenue” line, nothing separate for Heritage.
Interestingly, BTS has had, for many years, a ‘Head of Heritage.’ Quite what that position actually involves is less than clear.
And what they did for 14 years……..
I am not sure what period you became interested in the Heritage operation at Blackpool, as the Head of Heritage has often, especially in the early years of the operation, given many briefings and even videos on YouTube. As much as his current role can be decisive to some, it is mainly down to him that a Heritage operation saw the light of day at the upgrade in 2011.
Maybe email or telephone him and discuss in person to find out more if you have no recollections from the early Heritage period.
Kev1 you are correct, those formative years he was Mr Heritage and I cannot fault his efforts. Its what he did from 2015 that remains a mystery. There is virtually zero to show for his ‘efforts’ in that time. No museum, no funding bid. What?
I remember it well, brilliant then virtual silence!
It is a harsh fact of business life, that in the corporate environment, you are only as good as today’s results. What happened 12 or more years ago is history. The Heritage Manager suggests a senior, salaried position in the BTS organisation.
Since the upgrade, the Heritage operation has struggled, and has not delivered on what was originally planned. Heritage output has reduced year on year. more and more trams were withdrawn as unserviceable awaiting major work. Such trams that were still working became more and more shabby. Virtually no restoration has happened since the upgrade. Eventually workshop and admin staff become redundant and heritage finished abruptly at the end of 2024.
A person with the title Heritage Manager has to accept the results on which they are being measured are disastrous, and has to take that on the chin. Geoff is quite right to ask the question “what have they been doing for 14 years”. The Heritage Manager should have a high profile, both internally and externally, and it should be clear to all what they are doing, managing and driving forward. The fact that Geoff has asked the question, and he is by no means the only one, says the leadership and profile the role should have is not there.
As a final point, the recent abysmal PR surrounding the sudden closure of the Tramtown workshop raises the question whether the Heritage Manager was informed and given notice by the council well beforehand? If not, it is remiss and unprofessional of the council officers not to notify the HM. Or did the HM not inform the Tramtown Team promptly that notice had been served by the council, resulting in misunderstanding, misinformation and hysterical reaction? Just how close is the working relationship between the HM and the Tramtown volunteers.
I did intend to reply from you, but Trevor P has done it for me. By the way, my post was simply a question, not an accusation, even it you have mistakenly taken it as such.
Can I state here and now that I think that the people running the current Tramtown experience are doing a fantastic job and what I am about to write is absolutely NOT aimed at them or their operation.
I would also like to state that I am not, in any way, an expert in civil engineering, and just your average Joe Public with a healthy interest in Blackpool and its Heritage Trams.
Putting the current shenanigans aside about who said what to whom and who is responsible for this, that or the other, all I know is that there is a depot full of stalwarts of the original tramway system being left to rot because of the lack of maintenance to the structure that they are housed in.
Now let me compare that to the maintenance of my home (bear with me!).
If I want to re-plaster and decorate my front room, everything in it gets moved into the back room, or is covered sufficiently with dust sheets to protect it. Once the job is done, everything moved back and a repeat process carried out if I need to do the same to the back room. So what, may you ask, has this got to do with the Rigby Road tramshed? Everything!
When (if) the funds are forthcoming:
Keep the current Tramtown Exhibition buildings, equipment and exhibits mothballed for now and do a complete audit of the vehicles in the complex. Be realistic and identify the trams that have a decent possibility of being repaired, restored and reenergised, that would potentially attract passengers (open toppers, vintage appearance), those that could be cosmetically restored as unique to Blackpool and suitable for future static display (Rocket, for example) and current restorations (on hold for now) that could be completed in short order.
Choose what is only fit for stripping of parts to keep the rest of the fleet operational then get the scrappers in to free up space.
Then shunt what’s left into one half of the depot, commence work on the roof on the other half of the depot and fit decent doors. Then do a reverse shunt, and repeat the same on the other half of the depot. You will then have a collection of vehicles stored in a covered, dry and protected space until funds are available to move the artefacts and equipment across from the current ‘Tramtown’ buildings to assist in the repair and maintenance of those treasured vehicles. The current Tramtown buildings can then be demolished.
At least, then, the vehicles etc. will be protected from the elements, gulls, pigeons, rats etc. until a plan for the future evolution of the Heritage operation is decided.
If nothing is done, then I fear for the future.
On the matter of a possible heritage depot at Starr Gate, I see no spur leading to any such place – this is from various aerial views. Furthermore, there would be nowhere to accommodate any more structures large enough to hold a reasonable number of trams. To one side of the depot is, very close, the raised promenade and to the other, the tram wash plus a small garden with the all-important public conveniences. At the rear, we see the private premises of the Light Craft Club and infront of the depot, essential parking for BTS staff plus the shunting head. Encroachment upon the Sand Dune conservation area would be completely prohibited.
If you go on Google Earth and zoom in on the tram wash, where the track leaves the wash and curves to the left there is a set of points installed to facilitate a track joining from the right, so I am assuming the original plan was to site a small heritage depot where the small garden and toilet facilities are.
It was going on the gardens, conveniences and old crazy golf site. Is the spur not just before the wash?
The short spur was mentioned many years ago, before Starr Gate opened. It was apparently a point and a short length of rail. The points you mentioned and associated planning permission problems may be why the Heritage depot did not happen. At the time it was thought the depot would have a capacity of 12 trams. Latest announcement from Blackpool Council says they anticipate up to 10 heritage trams eventually operating.
This thread has proved very illuminating, and thanks to Peter W, Andy, Geoff and John for clarification on a number pf points.
The fact that BTS has owned and managed the Heritage operation through its department BHTT brings to mind a top-level formula that transport managers over the years have worked toward i.e.
Revenue – Overheads = Operational Surplus/Deficit
The years up to the second world war and the immediate post war period saw a boom in passenger numbers, and many operators returned an operating surplus year after year. However the emergence of television and growth in car ownership brought about an overall decline in ridership. This meant as much as 50% of an operator’s fleet was only being used for around 2-4 hours in a day in the peak periods. Using a high number of vehicles for limited time made them very expensive to operate, despite probably carrying full loads when they were out. In other words, carrying a full load does not necessarily mean a vehicle is making money!
Given the confirmation that BTS owns and manages the Heritage operation, consequently the company must have had to take on the overhead costs of a depot at Rigby Rd (originally scheduled for demolition and in poor condition) plus the salaries of a Heritage Manager, at least one paid admin support person, and the maintenance team. Other fixed overheads such as electricity would also be incurred. As the main LRT depot is at Starr Gate, no economies of scale would be possible, as would be the case if everything was on one site.
Given the limited output of the Heritage operation, it seems doubtful revenue would come anywhere near covering the overhead costs of a separate depot to the main operation, even taking into account utilisation of volunteer crews and part of the operational management of BHTT. BTS accounts do not seem to separate Heritage from the main core operation, therefore it is a reasonable assumption the company has for some years absorbed the costs of heritage in the main tram and bus business. I suspect this has become less and less sustainable over the years, given the challenges BTS main business is facing. It was apparent the maintenance team was not coping with maintenance of the heritage trams for some years, and over time more and more became unserviceable. Virtually no restoration has taken place since the upgrade. Many organisations operating a main business and adjunct operation would have accounted for them separately, and cross charged costs accordingly. Should BTS have adopted such a financial mode and cross charged costs specific to Heritage, I think it would have ceased some years ago.
Although the reason given for the abrupt cessation of the Heritage operation at the end of 2024 was stated as “Health and Safety”, unsustainable costs and the fact that continued operation with the current model must have been a factor. The fact that the paid maintenance and admin teams (with the exception of the Heritage manager) had previously been made redundant lends credence to this view.
Perhaps BTS (with possible support from Blackpool Council) may be able to operate a very limited operation in 2026? But with the challenges they both face, in my opinion it’s by no means a given!
I’m inclined to agree and believe that the enthusiast community has done very well to have enjoyed a continuing heritage service in a run-down seasdide resort for so long. Reluctantly, I have to concede that it’s now time to draw a line under the heritage operation and move on. In no way can the Blackpool tram operatioin be seen as a failure. Had money not been forthcoming for the all-important upgrade, then I suspect we’d be looking at a bus only resort, with less redevelopment around the Talbot Gateway and with the land occupied by the tram permanent way repurposed for traffic flow improvement, where there would be room in places for bus lanes to accommodate the services replacing the trams, so that they would be more efficient as people movers. However the tramway has indeed survived and we have to accept that the Flexities represent the same progress which occurred in the 1930s with the Streamlined Fleet, which have now become obsolete as did the pre 1930 trams back then and as will one day even the Flexities themselves: this is progress, which has always been the motto of Blackpool.
I doubt the absence of historic trams would effect tourism too badly. Hotels would still accommodate families who would patronise the Pleasure Beach together with the many other attractions and of course, there is the Stag and Hen party scene complete with pedal bar as a novelty along the promenade – perhaps not your much-loved historic trams but different all the same. Now that Heaton Park has the go-ahead with the funding for the new substation, those in the Northwest can feel fortunate that they still have a heritage tram operation within day trip distance and are not faced with hotel bills (no mean expense these days) or a long, tiring drive, every time they wish to experience the trams of yesteryear. Also, I beleive it would be a cause to celebrate, if BTS decided to retain the two trams they used last autumn and repeat the favour each Illuminations season. If we are exceptioinally lucky, they may just have room for the Western Train and a Boat or second Balloon. We as enthusiasats do not even collectively have the financial means to change the situation and therefore it is true to observe that beggars cannot be choosers.
Seems to be a sound analysis by someone who knows what they are talking about. Much more of this is needed if historic tramway preservation is to have any future. I am not optimistic!
‘Although the reason given for the abrupt cessation of the Heritage operation at the end of 2024 was stated as “Health and Safety”, unsustainable costs and the fact that continued operation with the current model must have been a factor.’
Why must it have been a factor, or rather if it was a factor, what stopped BTS saying that at the outset, instead of making a number of questionable claims, of which one at least, the need for fitment of specialist equipment, was immediately rubbished by ORR?
As to ‘complex operational issues?’ On a single route system with a less than intensive service? That was an even less credible excuse.
On an associated issue. BTS has a salaried ‘Head of Heritage.’ I wonder what that actually entails?
Possibly ‘politics’ played a part in BTS making an announcement around “complex operational issues” and “H&S” concerns” Geoff. It all depends what BTS management deemed appropriate to say, even though it was patently obvious to observers the Heritage’s deteriorating finances must have been a factor. I’m a believer in giving the full picture, but organisations both public and private are not always good at doing that.
Is the Rigby Road depot a ‘Listed Building’?
If not, then surely because of its uniqueness it should be considered for such listing, which if successful would enable funding for its repair / restoration to be applied for, thus helping to alleviate the current financial situation.
Has such listing even been considered, and if not, should this possibility now be looked into carefully by those in a position to do so?
Rigby Road depot is indeed unique in the UK, being the only remaining example of a municipal tram depot more or less in its original state dating back to the early 20th century period. As such it is an historic building worthy of listing consideration. Even if it were to be halved in size, it would still adequately show how trams were stored in the tramway heyday. I am surprised if no listing application has been made.
Equally, you cannot compare the Blackpool heritage operation with either Manchester or Crich, both of which operate only a short journey at modest speed. Only at Blackpool can a heritage tram show its paces over a longer run, on a scenic inter-urban route by the sea. A Boat will always attract visitors on a fine day, and a Balloon is the ideal way to see the illuminations from the top deck.
Being a bit pedantic Mike, Rigby Rd depot actually dates back to the 1930’s, and was built at the time of the upgrade when English Electric rail coaches and balloons first appeared. The first Blackpool tram depot was at Blundell St, demolished in more recent times, which was built in the late 1890’s.
Rigby Rd is not the only example in the UK of a tram depot in more or less original state. Dundee Transport Museum and Queens Rd bus depot in Manchester come to mind, and there may well be others.
There are a number of criteria that have to be met before a building is listed. Listing also places certain restrictions on additions and alterations that can be made to a building.
It seems that there does exist a charitable organisation known as the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust whose schedule includes the preservation of historic vehicles. This can refer to both buses and importantly, trams. Maybe this organisation could save a few of the heritage trams – enough to represent the development of the tramway over the many decades. They should, as a charity, be able to apply for funding via the usual channels although they may not actually be able to run any trams. However they could at least preserve a few, even if in a purpose built structure, less costly to maintain than those at Rigby Road. I know that there was an unsuccessful attempt to achieve this in Fleetwood but that effort was at the time almost in competition with the then Blackpool Hereitage Tram operation. If a new venture is the one and only group preserving the historic trams on a local basis, then one would hope they would be more successful securing funds and, of course, premises.
Further information has come to light on You Tube channel called Green Signals, which some BTO followers may be familiar with. The guys who I guess are the creators of the channel discussed at some length the current situation regarding Blackpool Heritage Trams, Rigby Rd depot and the Workshop. The discussion on the trams took about 25 minutes, which included a lengthy interview with Councillor Paul Galley. I would recommend anyone with a keen interest in Blackpool Heritage Trams watches it. Just go into YouTube and key in ‘Green Signals’.
Councillor Galley talked at some length about Tramtown strategy going forward. A charity has recently been set up called Blackpool Heritage Museum Trust. Ownership of Rigby Rd depot, the Heritage workshop and the trams would transfer from the Council in the case of the buildings and BTS in the case of the trams. The future maintenance of the buildings, the trams themselves and (presumably?) crewing of the trams would be by BHMT volunteers. The proposed future Tramtown at the Rigby Rd depot would encompass a visitor centre, workshop and running shed for the operational trams. The video does not specify whether privately owned trams currently housed at Rigby Rd would transfer to BHMT ownership.
Councillor Galley maintains transfer of all Heritage assets to the charity would open the door to grant opportunities to upgrade the buildings, and develop the Tramtown complex. The cost of repairing the workshop electrical fault is estimated at £50k, and bringing the workshop building so as it is fit for purpose between £3-4million. I did not pick up whether there was any mention of the costs of bringing the main Rigby Rd depot up to standard, but it is known to be millions, as would be the cost of replacing the depot fan and curve between Lytham Rd and Hopton Rd.
Listening the broadcast, one cannot doubt the sincerity of Councillor Galley, and undoubtedly the enthusiasm Tramtown volunteers. However, the magnitude of what the infant charity will be taking on I’m sure has not been fully appreciated. The appointment of an experienced project manager to pull all aspects together, complexity of grant applications, the establishment of a large volunteer workforce in the establishment of Tramtown and the ongoing running looks formidable. And having some experience of large projects, I can only feel the Tramtown project feels “over the top and overblown” to achieve what most of us want, which is simply to see a selected number of our Heritage trams running along the prom during high summer and the illuminations period. One thing for sure is that to deliver the Tramtown concept will take years. Is this a repeat of Transperiance, which as some will remember, lost sight of the original objective of establishing a West Yorkshire Transport Museum, became overly complex and failed in very short time?
Blackpool Council. as a first step, are establishing a Tramway Steering Group. A member of the Tramtown volunteers will be a member of the Steering Group. The terms of reference, scope of the Steering Group have yet to be established. Whether the Steering Group will examine (simpler, more realistic?!) alternatives to Tramtown was not mentioned.
Having watched the Green Signals, and heard Councillor Galley admit the situation is a mess, I feel very pessimistic any Heritage trams will run again in the near future. I hope my pessimism is unfounded, and a least a small number will run in 2026. But as for the Tramtown ‘vision’, will any of us see it come to fruition. I doubt it!!
Apparently there has been some good news on the Blackpool tram front, in that the local MP, Chris Webb, has arranged for a grant of £50,000 from the ‘Pride in Place’ initiative, in order to resolve the electrical issue in the Tram Town workshops.
Councillor Galley’s statement reads : ‘In the spirit of cross party working, met with Blackpool South MP Chris Webb today.
He has given £50K from the Pride of Place Fund which fix the electrics and allow Blackpool Tramtown to reopen.
This is just the start the next step is that Tramtown becomes part of the Blackpool Heritage Museum Trust charity allowing us to generate the big national funding bids.
A huge thank you to everyone who has emailed, messaged, I will keep everyone updated on what happens next.’
What with that, and England’s annihilation of Wales at Twickenham, Saturday was a good day! With apologies to Cefnogwyr rygbi undeb Cymru, of course.