'We have not given up' - Major update on future of heritage trams from Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams
Blackpool Council leader insists commitment to heritage trams has not wavered.
Blackpool Council’s leader has insisted the authority remains committed to returning the town’s heritage trams to service, as two of the historic vehicles prepare to go on public display during the Lightpool Festival.
Cllr Lynn Williams acknowledged public frustration over the trams not yet running, but said safety requirements and engineering challenges must be addressed before they can return to the tracks.
Addressing the future of the heritage fleet, Cllr Williams said: "I know how much our heritage trams mean to the people of Blackpool and to the many visitors who love them. I want to reassure everyone that Blackpool Transport Services, our heritage tram team, and Blackpool Council remain absolutely committed to bringing them back onto our tracks.
"I understand the frustration that they are not running yet. We all want to see them back where they belong, and I know that as much as anyone. But we have to get this right.
“We have to comply with all of the latest safety legislation, and ensure our heritage trams meet the necessary standards. Whatever their age or historic importance, the safety of passengers, staff, volunteers and the public must always come first. Meeting those requirements involves overcoming a series of engineering challenges, but it is essential that we get it right.”
Cllr Williams’ comments come as the illuminated Western Train and Frigate trams prepare to take centre stage during Blackpool’s Lightpool celebrations, offering residents and visitors the chance to see two of the town’s best-loved heritage vehicles.
Working alongside Blackpool Transport engineers, volunteers have been working to prepare the trams for static display during one of the busiest weeks of the illuminations season.
The Western Train will be displayed at the heritage line at North Pier throughout the Lightpool Festival, which runs until October 31. Frigate, also known as HMS Blackpool, will be displayed outside Starr Gate depot from 18:30 to 22:30 up to and including October 24, with the hours changing to 17:30 to 22:30 from October 25.
Plans had also been in place for The Rocket to join the displays, but restoration work on the historic tram has proved more challenging than expected.
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“I want to be absolutely clear that we have not given up on our heritage trams,” said Cllr Williams. “Blackpool Transport Services, the heritage tram team and the Council are working together with the determination to bring them back into service safely and sustainably. We want them back, and we want them to be here to stay.
“That is also why I am delighted that two of our illuminated heritage trams will be on public display as part of this year's Lightpool Festival. I know people will be thrilled to see them, but I also appreciate that there will be questions about why they are on display rather than running on the tracks
“ The display is not a substitute for getting them back into service, and we know that is what people really want. But it is an opportunity to celebrate these wonderful trams, to show that they are still here and still cared for, and to demonstrate our continuing commitment to preserving them.
“Our commitment also extends to a heritage visitor attraction and the fantastic volunteers who have given so much of their time, knowledge and passion to protecting this important part of Blackpool's history. They continue to have our support, and we are working with Blackpool Transport Services on plans to provide a home for this visitor attraction.
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“Looking after our heritage trams is a real honour, and it is not something we take for granted. They are part of Blackpool's identity, our history and what makes this town special. We have a responsibility to preserve that heritage for future generations.
“I know people want to see our heritage trams running again. So do I, our fantastic volunteers and the team at Blackpool Transport Services who is working to make it happen. There is still plenty of work to do, and I cannot pretend otherwise.
“But I want people to know that we are working on it, that our commitment has not wavered, and that we are determined to see our heritage trams back where they belong.”