Government cash to keep Blackpool trams running

Funding will support tram services through the winter

The council-owned company can claim up to £1.1m from a special £35.4m fund set up by the Government with the cash covering the next three months.

A spokesperson for Blackpool Transport said: “This recently announced government support means we will be able to operate a regular tram service throughout the winter and will be ready for the summer season 2021.”

It comes as passenger numbers have dropped by a quarter since the resort was placed under tier three restrictions.

The tramway has already received £300,000 of government support since September 2020 for timetables that have been running from August 2020.

But it is facing maintenance costs of more than £500,000 early next year.

Council documents, announcing the appointment of a contractor, reveal maintenance work will take place next February on the 18km tramway including rail replacement, which will cost around £524,431.

Blackpool Transport’s spokesperson added: “The Blackpool tramway has been receiving financial support since September 2020 for timetables that have been running from August 2020.

“This has been a special arrangement with government so we are relieved the arguments made that the tramway is essential to both visitors and residents has been accepted, and Blackpool’s tramway is now part of the national support for light railway systems.

“Government has made a maximum of £1.1m available for the company to claim.

“The final level of support is dependent on actual trading results as it is intended to put the tramway in a no better than its normal trading position.

“Patronage was growing encouragingly until Blackpool entered tier two and then three. During the past week alone customer numbers have fallen by about 25 per cent.”

The tram service was suspended between March 29 and July 19 due to lockdown, but was able to restart in July thanks to financial help from the council.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the Commons the latest funding would “go to local authorities and operators in Sheffield, Tyne and Wear, Manchester and Blackpool”, so they can “keep those essential services running.”