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£100m tram plans in doubt
BLACKPOOL'S £100m tram plans could be thrown into "serious doubt" if campaigners get their way.
Protesters, furious about the council's proposals to build a 20m tramshed at Starr Gate, are demanding the depot is built on an
alternative site.
But if the tramshed is not based at Starr Gate the whole plan could be scrapped.
John Donnellan, Blackpool Council's assistant director for the built environment, said: "We are reliant on Government money to fund the scheme, including the depot on Starr Gate, and we have to secure this funding in time.
"Finding a new depot would throw the scheme into serious doubt. There really isn't another site. We have looked at the options but these trams are bigger and Starr Gate is the only option."
"If we don't get these new trams then it's clear existing trams won't be operating for much longer."
But campaigners living opposite the proposed Starr Gate depot site say noise and disruption will make their lives a misery.
Mark Chapman, of Freemantle Avenue, is leading the campaign. He said: "The land at Starr Gate is for tourism and leisure use and not for an industrial unit.
"We are not against having a museum there but we are opposed to having a maintenance unit when we hear that work on trams will go on after midnight.
"The building would be around the same size as Preston railway station, and cause major problems for access and parking."
Mike Parr, who lives on New South Promenade, added: "Noise and congestion will be the major problem. We understand Blackpool has to move forward but surely the trams' present home on Blundell Road could be upgraded.
"The last thing people want to see when they arrive in Blackpool is this monstrosity. It will make the lives of people living around here a misery."
The 40ft depot is expected to be completed by 2012 with 16 new Bombardier trams operating from there, along with heritage trams in the summer.
Mr Donnellan said: "We are confident these plans will go ahead. The council has done everything it can to make sure residents are happy.
"We have consulted the public. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption."
A notice of motion put forward by Squires Gate ward councillor Doug Green to oppose industrial units on the seafront was lost at full council when the Tories and Labour voted against it.
Protesters packed the gallery at the council chamber to witness the vote.
Proposals for the storage and maintenance facility at Starr Gate will be considered by the council on June 29.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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