After the various reports online at the start of September about the future of heritage tram operation in Blackpool, Blackpool Transport have now affirmed their commitment in a new press release. Whilst much in the release has been covered in these recent reports there is some new information and a confirmation that they are working on two of the town’s iconic illuminated trams to allow them to be displayed during Lightpool this October.
Cosmetic restoration work is currently underway on both the Western Train and Rocket with support coming from local transport groups and a team of volunteers. It is hoped that they will be able to go on display and an as yet announced location during the 10-day Lightpool Festival to allow visitors to get up close to them again.
Work is also underway to return operational heritage trams to the tracks. However, as mentioned in the previous reports, structural welding, electrical systems and axle repairs are all required before they can be released for safe and reliable use on public tours.
Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, Lea Harrison, said: “Our heritage plans have not been forgotten, and work has already started on restoring and upgrading the much-loved ‘Western Train’ and ‘Rocket’ trams.
“We’re delighted to be able to welcome back volunteers to the depot, and the investment we’ve made in their training reflects our continued commitment to preserving our rich tramway heritage.”
Blackpool Transport also continue to plan to restore the main tram depot building at Rigby Road which will provide a refurbished home for the heritage fleet for many years to come. This will be for both operational trams and static displays.
As we have seen, during August, some overhead was removed leading to the old Fitting Shop (latterly the temporary home of Tramtown) and this has been confirmed as being in preparation for the demolition of the old Paint Shop/Body Shop/Fitting Shop building and the aforementioned refurbishment of the main depot structure.
Lea added: “During these works we are continuing to search for a secure location for a ‘pop-up’ display for viewing the fleet and related memorabilia.
“Despite making extensive enquiries, we have not yet found anywhere suitable on the Fylde coast. As a result, we’re keen to hear from any individual or organisation in the area with premises that could provide a pop-up solution which could be developed into a temporary tourist attraction while helping to keep the trams in the public eye until they return to their permanent home.
“We are also actively looking for sponsorship and partnerships that will further accelerate the delivery of our ambitious plans for a sustainable heritage operation that the people of Blackpool can be proud of.”
Leader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Lynn Williams, said: “Blackpool Transport’s teams are working really hard behind-the-scenes to bring some of our heritage trams back to the seafront. They’re working as quickly as possible to do this, and I know they’re all so passionate about preserving this important part of our town’s cultural heritage.
“My commitment to the heritage trams remains the same – I want to see our wonderful trams out and being enjoyed by as many people as possible, so we are doing all we can to support Blackpool Transport in this.”