The first two heritage trams in the Blackpool Transport fleet have been given the green light to return to service on the Promenade for the Lightpool festival (15 October - 1 November) and the Illuminations season. They will now be transferred to the Starr gate operational depot for use on pre-bookable tours along the seafront. The trams are 1965-built 736 HMS Blackpool, shaped like an illuminated frigate, and 1934 English Electric built Balloon double decker 717 that was fully restored in 2000 and carries its original livery.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said, 'We have always known how important heritage trams are to our visitor economy. They are a big part of our history and it will be great to see them back on the tracks. We have worked exceptionally hard with Blackpool Transport to make sure they can return for the Lightpool Festival, and I really hope that people enjoy seeing the trams and more importantly show their commitment by booking the pre-paid tours. This is one of the real benefits of having a transport company wholly owned by the Council, that wee can work together and find solutions that put our town first'.
The use of heritage trams in passenger service was put in doubt earlier this year over concerns raised about operating the vintage cars in service alongside the modern fleet.
(Blackpool Balloon tram 717 during the Illuminations. (G. Mitchell)
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