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Trams champion
A FORMER transport minister has warned that it would be "an absolute disgrace" if the Government were to knock back Blackpool's bid for funding to save its historic tramway.
Sir Robert Atkins, now a Euro MP, pledged to investigate what European funding might be available to help the bid when he visited the tramway headquarters in Rigby Road.
He said: "It would be an absolute disgrace if this, the first electric tramway in Britain, was to be lost simply because the Government was not prepared to find the resources to upgrade it.
"The money that comes into Blackpool and therefore the North West as a result of the attractions of Blackpool cannot be underestimated."
He added: "I am here today because Blackpool Transport is looking into the possibility of finding EU funding to assist with its application to the Government.
"I am here to listen to what they have to say and shall go to Brussels next week to ask questions.
"I am keen to ensure that this wonderful part of the Fylde coast heritage is maintained and upgraded, and remains accessible to all parts of the community.
"Otherwise we shall lose what is an important part of the culture of Blackpool and Blackpool is arguably the most important tourist resort in the UK and maybe even Europe."
Sir Robert, who was Transport Minister from 1988 to 1990 and is now the Conservative member of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament, was also supporting the tramway's bid for partial exemption from laws which mean that all trams must have disability access by 2020.
While proposed new trams will have low floor access, the exemption status is necessary to allow the heritage trams to keep running.
Blackpool Transport managing director Steve Burd said: "This was a fact-finding visit for Sir Robert.
"With his European connections he is going to find out whether any European funding is available which would reduce the amount we need from the Department of Transport."
The tramway needs 88m in order to upgrade the track and buy 16 new vehicles.
It is hoped the Government will fund 75 per cent of the cost, with Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council finding the rest.
The result of the bid is expected to be known before Easter.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 31 mph
Wind direction: West
