Heritage trams return 'hopeful' for light trail

Transport bosses have said they are "hopeful" that Blackpool's heritage tram tours can return in time for October's Lightpool festival.

The heritage tram service was suspended in December 2024 because it was hard to run them alongside the modern fleet.

Issues included safety and maintenance conflicts as well as a lack of depot space after the Tramtown museum, which housed the ageing fleet, was forced to close in April as the building was deemed unsafe.

Lea Harrison, of Blackpool Transport, said it was hoping for an October return but recent inspections had found "more significant work" was needed before operational trams could be safely returned to service.

The Tramtown museum on Rigby Road was closed in April after a structural engineer's survey deemed the public entrance was unsafe. The attraction had earlier been closed due to an electrical fault.

Harrison, the managing director of the council-owned Blackpool Transport, said: "While we are hopeful that heritage tours can return in time for October's Lightpool festival, recent inspections of the fleet have found that operational trams need more significant work before they can be safely and reliably returned to service.

"This work includes structural welding, upgrades to electrical systems, and axle repairs."

He said: "Other options include staging static displays featuring two of the town's best-known trams.

"This is dependent on being able to complete restoration works on the Western Train and Rocket over the next few weeks, and on whether a suitable location can be found."

Harrison added: "We remain committed to preserving Blackpool's rich tramway history and further updates will be issued in due course."

Councillor Paul Galley, leader of Blackpool's Conservative group, and Tramtown volunteer has previously said the resort's fleet of heritage trams were "fundamental to the DNA of Blackpool".

The 10th anniversary of Blackpool's Lightpool Festival takes place between 21-31 October.

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