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Blackpool trams - full track to open
TRADERS along the Fylde's revamped tram tracks today welcomed the news they were waiting for.
As revealed in later editions of yesterday's Gazette, the tracks will re-open from Squires Gate to Fleetwood on April 26 – ending almost six months of frustration for businesses and visitors.
Bosses at Blackpool Transport took the controversial decision to close part of the 11-mile tracks as part of an 11.8m upgrade in November.
Since then, many businesses in north Fylde say they have felt the pinch from having the historic trams taken off the tracks.
The trams have been running along the Promenade from Starr Gate to Uncle Tom's Cabin since Good Friday but have been unable to run any further due to continuing electrical work.
Completion this week will mean the trams will be open to the public on the whole system for the first time since November.
It is the longest time the system has been out of service in its 110-year history.
Julian Brent, manager at Fleetwood market, said: "This is great news for the town and its traders.
"We have not been as badly hit as we thought but lots of people come to Fleetwood on the trams and when they are out of action people tend to stay away."
Peter Wills, chairman of the Cleveleys Seafront Partnership, said: "With the opening of the tram system it will mean that people coming to Cleveleys can enjoy the traditional transport network while looking at the new modern Promenade which opens this weekend."
In Bispham some businesses have felt the pinch more than others.
Jordan Hart, from Hart's Amusements on Red Bank Road, said: "I would say we were down by 20 per cent on last years takings due to the trams."
And Mick Grewcock, from Bispham Traders' Association, said: "We have had a few people moaning but we realise this sort of thing has to take place. There will be a lot of relief in the town once it opens fully."
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Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
