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Iconic Blackpool tram to make Prom return



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Published Date: 14 January 2008
By Lisa Ettridge
WE have lift off.
One of Blackpool's brightest and most iconic trams looks set to make a return to the Promenade in 2009 – with your help.

The illuminated Rocket Tram blasted its way up and down the seafront from 1961 until 1999 when it was retired from service.

Now due to popular demand, there is talk the novelty vehicle could be restored – but the help of the public is needed for the car to join the Western Train, currently being revamped after a Gazette campaign, back on the tracks next year.

Storage

Bryan Lindop of Blackpool Transport said: "We are in the process of launching interesting proposals with the Illuminations Department to carry out a museum standard restoration of this tram car.

"By bringing the rocket out of storage we want the public to see that it is still here in Blackpool.

"The rocket and the Western Train were definitely the most unique cars of a fleet of five that were built from 1959 to 1965.

"It would be wonderful to see it back on the Prom."

Blackpool Illuminations and Blackpool Transport plan to work jointly on restoring the tram.

It is estimated the operation would cost in the region of £150,000. Sadly, due to health and safety reasons, passengers will no longer be able to ride in the rocket.

Michael Wilcock, head of Illuminations, said: "We get more queries about the Rocket Tram than any other part of the Illuminations.

"Obviously, this scheme is costly but the public can play a part in bringing a piece of Blackpool's history back to life.

"We are in the process of setting up a Friends of The Illuminations group to work on such projects.

"We visualise the future of the Illuminations show being more interactive, people have told us they want to see the rocket return, so that is what we will aim towards.

"The group would help us shape the future of one of the country's best, free attractions."

Christine Grimsted, 51, from Kingston Avenue in South Shore, was one of the last people to drive the rocket in 1999. She said: "We used to have two astronaut dummies sitting in the front seats and the children loved seeing them – their faces lit up.

"It would be brilliant to see it return."

The full article contains 389 words and appears in Blackpool Gazette newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 14 January 2008 9:30 AM
  • Source: Blackpool Gazette
  • Location: Blackpool
 
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John McNicholas .,

2 Norwich Place Bispham FY2 OBD 14/01/2008 11:55:47
What another sad reminder that the "Big Brother" of "Elf and Safety" hangs over us all. Amid the marvellous news that the "Rocket" Tram is to be restored is the news that no one will be able to ride in it due to the insatiable thirst of the "Elf and Safety" Brigade to make life a miserable dirge for all and sundry. What self respecting child, and probably many a tram enthusiast, would not upon seeing the vehicle immediately want to ride in it, creating Jobs, a grand time for all, and the much needed revenue the magnificent tramway network requires. But no the children must be dissapointed the enthusiasts thwarted and our "Family Friendly" resort let down by these zealots. Why Bother?
2

Rand Hobart,

BlackpoolNow.com 14/01/2008 14:27:36
In other words, if you want to see the tram back on the tracks put your hand in your pocket. It's not enough that you should pay through the nose to ride the thing...
3

OUCH,

lancashire 14/01/2008 21:52:14
£150.000 to restore the tram yet not for the public to use ..just to look at? another extra for the public to pay.... just to look at. Nice one blackpool. All those youngsters that see it & have to be dissapointed in not being able to ride on it..I'm sure the amount of visitors( if they could ride) would pay for any repairs incurred.
4

ched999uk,

South Shore 14/01/2008 22:44:28
The Rocket is such an icon, we need it back. But please cant the H&S people naff off. This is a HISTORIC Vehicle, surely it can be made safe at reasonable costs. It seems such a shame just for it to trundle up and down without anyone on. By my calcs it could easily make £150,000 within 5 years just running on weekends during the Illuminations. So surely its worth trying to find a few extra £££ to make it safe for passengers. Even it you can only get on and off at say North Pier.

Come on H&S is getting in the way of our history. You dont see H&S stopping people on HMS Victory because they might bang their head on low beams, so why cant we have people on the Rocket!!!!!

Please make this campaign about getting the Rocket back into passenger carrying condition!!!!!!!
5

Chris Wynne,

Shrewsbury 15/01/2008 02:03:13
I think it is great news along with the returning Western Train.

Both have been missed these last few years.

I'm sure companies advertising on it will bring in some of the revenue. But, as others have said, what a great shame that H&S rears its ugly head once more.

I would very much like to know what the H&S issues are and if they are resolveable as I would love the chance to take my family on the Rocket as many others would too.
6

louloubelle,

Tredegar 18/01/2008 22:09:22
Ah yes lets bring back the days when children and adults alike could look upon something and actually use that forgotten thing called imagination! I hope they can work out the costs of upgrading it a bit more substantially first- it could be cheaper to build a new one as is sometimes the case. I'd love to see it back!!
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