Have The Old Blackpool Trams Gone Forever?

[@asa1973100]

I sincerely hope they will run these trams again as it’s one of the main reasons we visit Blackpool

[@paulinetinsley68]

Ive never understood why there isnt a tram museum attraction in Blackpool. They should approach the Lottery for funding.

[@topmandog1]

ive been told the lottery has already funded a tram and they dont like funding people more then once

[@Adzcantsing]

It was for the great Western illuminated tra.

[@philipcorbett7077]

It's under development as Tramtown in the Rigby Rd sheds

[@j.d.sunderland8113]

There was a tram museum proposal at the old tram shed at Fleetwood a few years ago, sadly it never got support so the idea died…

[@rachelwalker7091]

Thanks, that’s reassuring. Hope you’re right. I’ve already signed the petition. Heritage trams are essential for Blackpool.

[@CarolineFord1]

The petition has closed with victory.

[@nickclark2278]

A more recent press release “As Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, I would like to reach out to everyone who has expressed their concerns about the future of the Heritage Tram operation. I am the biggest advocate for the preservation and future of our beautiful assets. I can confirm that the future of our heritage trams is safe and we aim to have them back on the Promenade next year. However, before that can happen there are a number of complex operational issues that need to be addressed. “Recently we have been able to run the heritage trams out of Starr Gate depot which does not interfere with the ongoing works at Rigby Road. We are considering how this could provide a solution to some of the challenges we are currently facing. It is also important to clarify that the suspension of tram tours does not affect plans for the Rigby Road tram shed. In fact, it highlights the importance of bringing our vision for Tramtown to life to preserve Blackpool’s heritage. “Blackpool Transport Services and Blackpool Council remain committed to continue working with all our volunteers, supporters and stakeholders during this pause in the operational running of the heritage fleet” Press release from Jane Cole, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport Darren is on point with his theory.

[@dandare2829]

We cannot let these Trams disappear, they are what made Blackpool many years ago. I have had the pleasure of riding the Heritage Tram Tour this year and it was an amazing experience and a guy on board telling us all about Tram Town and the History of these amazing machines and we rode on the Sir Ken Dodd Tram which was built in 1934. I can’t see the new trams lasting 90 years! We have to save these iconic attractions.

[@malcolmone1]

they are what most people go for ,a ride on the old trams ,its bringing money into Blackpool ,as well as tourists

[@michaeldavison9761]

When other short-sighted cities scrapped their tram networks, Blackpool showed them the error of their ways by making them part of the Blackpool experience. As a child, the only trams I experienced were on a holiday in Edinburgh one year before the demise there. As a family, we went everywhere around the city by tram and I could never understand why they were scrapped. The idiocy continued when trolley bus networks were discontinued.

[@MichaelCampin]

If Rigby Road was owned by Sunderland City Council, and it was listed, it would just be demolished despite its listed status, industrial luddites

[@steveminor9932]

One thing that stands out is the fact this was basically with immediate effect with an almost fully booked tour schedule for the rest of the year. That says to me that they have had to react to something maybe quite serious. They wouldn't throw all that revenue away unless its a very good reason. Remember they've got a lot of refunds to repay now

[@CarolineFord1]

yes why cancel the illuminated trams when the illuminations are still on. Something must have triggered this.

[@annewhittaker-pearce8165]

Not to mention private bookings like my wedding!! All my arrangements have been shattered in the blink of an eye!!

[@steveminor9932]

@@annewhittaker-pearce8165 I'm so sorry for you

[@neilgodwin6531]

The CEO of Blackpool Transport has said she has personally pushed for the heritage trams, but there are certain safety issues to resolve. She has said they will return next year

[@steveminor9932]

@neilgodwin6531 not necessarily, from what I hear BTS had assured the ORR that ALL trams would be fitted with the new collision avoidance devices within 15 months. The flexity trams already has most pf that system pre fitted into their design, so was not hard to achieve that goal. The ORR became aware that the 9 heritage trams in operation were NOT fitted with the system and since the 15 month time limit had expired, they insisted on their removal from service. So until they are fitted with this new tech they can't operate on the system whether that's next week next month next year or beyond. It's out of BTS hands

[@jetsons101]

My comment is from over 5,000 miles away BUT I hope the trams come back ASAP. It is always good for people to know their history, the bad and the good, as it is part of their identity.

[@TheWacoKid1963]

Fire and repeated fires are the friend of anyone that owns a listed building, when Newcastle's Quayside was going through redevelopment in the 90s, listed empty buildings were regularly catching fire, some more than once, until they were finally demolished.

[@davidwebb4904]

They will be recycling Blackpool Tower next….

[@McMieke]

Once they are gone they are gone forever.

[@AdventureMe]

Back in 2025

[@christelbraune4530]

Alles gute für die Tram in Blackpool!!! Dankeschön für das Video ☺️💖 Dankeschön Darren 💞

[@MJARTBYDAY]

I just wanted to ask if you could do a video of Tram number 703 and the story of the old man who boarded the tram and paying a tenner to travel on it but the men not having the change for the note. It was sent to beamish museum I think in 2001 and came back to Blackpool but they painted it in red Sunderland colours and has now got BINNS on the front. Could you do a video of it please Darren ...

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I think when you look at what is required it is retrofitting safety systems that they already have to do with the rest of the existing fleet. So the actually running of the trams is relatively easy. So hopefully it is just get the depot fixed and it will be alright. Edit: judging by the petition they have already said they will be back as soon as possible.

[@annewhittaker-pearce8165]

I’d booked one of these heritage trams for my wedding in March - which they have just cancelled out of the blue leaving my wedding arrangements in tatters!!! Hopefully they’ll be back as they should be sometime soon but I very much doubt it’ll be in time to reinstate for my big day!!! I’m devastated!!

[@mickeypickey789]

Thanks for taking a step back and communicating facts rather than emotion. Still, it's really sad though even in the short term.

[@LeodisTrainSpotter]

Its been a family tradition that we always go to Blackpool for the summer its been a strange love for this place that's been going on for generations, im 18 and i still remember going on the balloon tram before the new trams came in and i just remember looking out the front top windows, i went to the depot this year, and just seeing the state the heritage company have been left is is so upsetting, i wish more people my age showed more care and support into these historical beauties, This year i was sat on the pier with my mum and i saw a balloon tram coming down and we ran off the pier to go record it going past 😂

[@aoilpe]

I planed my last holiday in June to visit Blackpool BECAUSE of the heritage trams. I met very engaged volunteers at Tramtown. The Sunday excursion to Fleetwood was absolutely great…

[@carlthejedi]

It looks like the petition has already been successful as I couldn't sign and it said victory!

[@katiedales582]

I saw this on the news, glad you've done a video about it. I've never been to Blackpool.

[@gb9727]

Don't get too sad everyone, they'll return in the summer of next year

[@nickclark2278]

Thanks for your insights. That all makes sense. There has been a subsequent media release assuring they are coming back. But the technical reasons were all still a mystery. Oh yeah and the original news spread like wild fire on the interwebs and Facebook in the Australian tram Community

[@uk-martin4905]

Correcction - The original trams were operated from the depot in Blundell Street, opposite the current BTS offices - demolished in the 1980s I believe....they were gone by when I first visited Blackpool in 1984 (and stayed in a little B&B in Blundell Street opposite the empty space that had been the depot). Rigby Road depot didn't open until, I think, 1935.

[@MJARTBYDAY]

Hey Darren those 2 key words do seem like they have just temporary stopped using the heritage trams so they can get the roof sorted and the Blackpool council should pull their fingers out and pay for that roof to be repaired as it is very important to save them and start the tram services up as it is part of Blackpools heritage. Thank you for this news and I hope it eases the minds of the good people of Blackpool and the many visitors each year.

[@NeilofBeeston]

A great video. ❤️ The older trams are Blackpool. The illumination trams are unique and make Blackpool a real destination. Thank you for a really postive view

[@physiocrat7143]

Weird. Here in Gothenburg, the heritage fleet is sometimes called into regular service because the newer ones are prone to failure.

[@neillewis82]

The new modern trams at Blackpool are just a mode of transport now. The balloon trams are what make tram travel special at blackpool. May aswell chop the tower down and weigh it in aswell

[@BecsterDotCom]

Oh I sincerely hope that you're right! The heritage trams are a staple of Blackpool - it's a fun game to try and spot the heritage trams when you're there.

[@AdventureMe]

They are back in 2025 according to the latest info

[@Shaun-w7y]

Great video totally agree with everything you are saying, I have lived in Blackpool all my life, the trams are part of the fabric of the town and attract thousands of people every year , if they scrap the trams now what will be next ? demolish the tower to build another car park, I have already signed the petition and am spreading the word to everyone else 👍I have watched a lot of your videos they are all excellent, keep up the good work 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for sharing

[@shirleylynch7529]

Hopefully solution will happen soon. Great video to hi light how important all these trams are. Thank you Darren.

[@an04ker]

What’s the chances of Rigby road burning down before the new roof is fitted. Oh look perfect spot for flats.

[@topmandog1]

well if it did it would ruin every tram in there

[@dancedecker]

Very little. It's made of steel. Not going to happen.

[@jeffdayman8183]

Let's hope the council will get their head out their __ and grow a pair, and get Rigby Road and the trams some meaningful funding. The heritage trams are part of Blackpool's own heritage and I expect interest in them brings a lot of tourists (and their money) to the town yearly. Idea - How about rearranging the key words in the note and just "suspend" the "pause" and find common sense ways to keep running them right away? 8^) Cheers Darren.

[@groeacht8525]

I remember watching the episode of salvage squad filmed at rigby rd, that was 20 years ago and the place flooded when there was heavy rain. I doubt they've done anything about it since then.

[@markj.a351]

It makes me so angry that this country seems to have money to burn on foreign issues but we can't pay to protect our own heritage.

[@shirleysmith1713]

Heritage Trams will be back Darren. They are Blackpools history. Thanks for the video 👍🏻🎄

[@AdventureMe]

You bet

[@angelsone-five7912]

Nicely explained Darren, I hope you are right. I signed the petition the other day and threw a couple of quid at it too in the hope of better things to come.

[@fluffymacfly3405]

Used to a good tram depot at bispham got demolished. If they had kept bispham would be able to operate store heritage trams.

[@topmandog1]

that was demolished decades before heritage even started

[@dancedecker]

There's a slight issue of the tracks being disconnected in 1963. Then it being demolished before the heritage fleet even existed.

[@fluffymacfly3405]

@@topmandog1 i know but it could have been used today as a storage facility today.

[@seany84uk]

Surely they could fit a huge temporary tarp to cover the roof and bring in scaffolding supports as a temporary fix?

[@AdventureMe]

You would think so. But knowing the council anything will cost many millions.

[@seany84uk]

@@AdventureMe Yep! As long as their are expenses are covered for thats all that matters! They have their xmas parties coming soon lol

[@PaulaXism]

Like the one at Victoria Station?.. Was supposed to be "temporary" and lasted from 1940 til 1997 ;) Get some of that tarp.. must have been proper stuff..

[@graham9473]

Just before this statement came out, we where thinking of coming to Blackpool again. But now i don't know. This needs to be sorted. I do agree with what your saying. Please keep us updated and i will sign the petition. Thank you.

[@ThomasJHolland]

Darren I totally understand what you said., but only takes a another storm like Darragh, The old tram shed that will take the shed off. The question is where do you find home's for 42 Heritage Tram's and what I gather from various people around Blackpool Transport has provisional order for 5 more Flexity 2 trams . When I used live in Fleetwood. in the Sixties' and the seventies the tram fleet was downsize in the winter for safety upgrades , with the illuminations being extend to the first Week of November and now the new year the window upgrades are now closed from Tom

[@triggerseed7349]

trigger & Lucy love old trams at Blackpool & we want all the trams stay there for good also if any trams do going i hope someone will look after him too

[@watcherzero5256]

All the tram networks around the country are currently having to upgrade their safety equipment because of the Croydon crash with systems that brake if they pass a signal at stop or if they are speeding. I believe its likely Blackpool have been told they have upgrade the classic trams as well in order to carry passengers which would be extremely expensive (so they could still run with no passengers on board), combine that with their difficulties maintaining staff with the appropriate skills I believe its likely they have decided its better just to stop operating them for the time being rather than operating them like a parade. Though a Parade might be the best way to see them still run in future, I think its unlikely they will ever carry passengers again at the same time the Flexities are running, i.e. if they wanted to run them with passengers onboard again for a special occasion it would involve closing the system down for a day.

[@Rob1972Gem]

I have been, and I must admit the original tram depot is in bad repair but I think you’re a little bit too interesting. A lot of things are no longer around in this country because they were suspended. The trouble is when you suspend something for a little while then a little while longer and then it doesn’t come back I can see a time where they even sell offsome of the Heritage trams to put money back in the system because Blackpool is slowly dying a death it’s a shame because the history and the architecture of the place is amazing. The trouble is British seaside are changing and it’s not in a good way.

[@uk-martin4905]

I fear you might be right. Blackpool, itself , is by all (derelict) appearances, finished. The Pleasure Beach seems to be in its death throes and I doubt it will survive more than a couple of years. Blackpool sadly no longer has the number of visitors each year. Given the state of the town today, I would not consider visiting again, despite my affection for the old trams.

[@kevinlawrence2127]

How about a fund raiser fund to repair and return Rigby Road to its former glory, and part of it turned into a museum. As per most councils haven't kept up with maintenance with a lot of council owned buildings and or because of being cash strapped. The heritage trams that run on Blackpool front are iconic part of the experience, especially during illumination's

[@AdventureMe]

That's already planned. They apparently have the money for the first phase, but the council aren't giving them it.

[@malcolmstockbridge2569]

The petition update says they have confirmed they will return.

[@neilgodwin6531]

Just saw a video from Stephen (Walk on the Wild Side). Blackpool Transport has confirmed that the heritage trams will be back in 2025. This is a press release from the boss of Blackpool Transport, and Stephen put the release on screen. There are various safety issues that they have to work round, but the CEO is emphatic that she wants them back in operation as soon as possible

[@hollimurray8856]

I couldn't believe it when I seen it. BUT good news they will be back next year according to the council. 😊

[@uk-martin4905]

Can Blackpool council be trusted? Can ANY council be trusted? Experience shows that the words 'trust' and 'council' do not sit well together. As a lover of Blackpool's traditional trams - the main reason I moved to the north west from London in 1989 - I am not optimistic. There may be more to this than meets the eye.

[@SamM-oh2cx]

@@uk-martin4905 could not have said it better myself! Council are only after 2 things. Themselves and ££££££.

[@tjd18]

You forgot to mention that most of the heritage trams break disability rules around providing a public transport so this is also a reason why they could’ve been pulled to I believe that Tram built if it was buses it was 2015 so after that should be fully accessible. This is why they replace the trams in the first place with the modern. From the council point of view they are only going to want to put the fully accessible Tram on because that’s what the law says the historical trams probably don’t or not counted as transport so I probably run by different part of the council such as parks and cemeteries.

[@TheConsettonian1987]

Darren they are suspended until further notice at the moment but Blackpool Transport are really looking hard into things to get them reinstated to service next year or so, but only time will tell!!

[@Cartoonman154]

So more generic corperate 1 size fits all generic european trams

[@thomaslister950]

Hope you are right. Have been a few times this year to have a ride on the coastal and promenade tours and is really enjoyable.

[@Spitfiresammons]

I think the community of Blackpool should do the fun rising money to restore a tram shed and build a Blackpool tram museum to keep all the trams running for another 100 years.

[@seany84uk]

I hope its temporary as the articles suggest. They should run them between the pleasure beach and starr gate to keep them away from the main part of the tram line if its effecting their operations.

[@scotteaglen4872]

People genuinely visit Blackpool purely for these trams. For them to stop them because of storage space would be moronic.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I don't think they need to scrap them they could be sold to other tram museums, theme parks, private collectors and it's standard gauge therefore they can be put on heritage railways as a static attraction or move it about behind a locomotive.

[@RadioJonophone]

Modern tramways work in a similar way to automatic signaling on the railways. Each tram is equipped with position detection (GPS) and relays this information to a central control system. So far, nothing earth shattering. Controllers or computers, whatever dictates movements, commands the progress of each tram on the network. Again, no great shakes. Heritage (dumb) trams can be slotted in the gaps. However, a step up from this way of organising movements is that each tram can detect its neighbours on the tracks. Tram 10 asks if there are any others about. Tram 15 says yes, I'm here, 500m in front of you. Tram 10 then adjusts its progress so as to avoid a conflict. A heritage tram without this technology poses a threat to safety. There is yet another layer. Each tram scans the area in front of it for obstacles, applying braking as necessary. This is in addition to the MkI eyeballs of the operator. To be compatible with the Flexity trams, the heritage trams will have to be equipped with at least some of these features.

[@colinnich]

Health and Safety gone mad. No wonder everything is so expensive and nothing ever gets done.

[@tommo1988]

Lets hope they find a solution fast. Councils dont work fast but i hope the trams are back by early summer.

[@harri2626]

Yes, it's a cry for help to get some action taken with Rigby Road. Good Luck. However, there are far too many heritage trams in store in Blackpool and they all need serious attention. A major cull needs to take place, then concentrate on a smaller heritage tram fleet which can be funded, restored and operated reliably. Rigby Road is far too large to be a successful tram museum, even in Blackpool, where the traditional tram enthusiasts are dying off and the younger visitors are not interested in the heritage felt.

[@davidwil58]

They should have collection tins on the regular trams, allowing the public to donate to the preservation of the old trams and building. Many tourists who love Blackpool and the trams won’t be aware of the problems, but I’m sure they could raise a few quid over a busy tourist season.

[@shaunwest3612]

That's sad news,one of the reasons why people visit Blackpool, hope they stay running 👍👌

[@danim007]

It's been announced by Blackpool Transport that the trams will be back next year

[@flashback0978]

they are probably testing the waters to see if the public raises hell about it or if no one seems to care and based on that they will go from there ... That is what most places would do at least to get a good idea on how the customers feel, but Blackpool does not always seem to do things logically I have noticed

[@philipcorbett7077]

The local transport boss has said that they will be back next year. Just need to figure out how best to fit them in the timetable. Let's hope so.

[@philliphaley1241]

I have seen them this year on the front and think that it would be best to run the old trams without passengers and in good weather conditions have them parked scattered along the front...even if they have to put extra parking tracks for the traditional light trams.

[@philliphaley1241]

with collection boxes on each tram.

[@dancedecker]

How would that even work? Park them on the operational tramway? It has just two tracks, mostly. One southbound, one northbound. So no.trams at all then, whilst people look at the pretty but empty trams, contributing nothing. Excellent!! The cost of installing "extra tracks " which would need points installing, which would stop the Flexity fleet from running whilst they were installed, would be phenomenal!! They WILL be back next season. That's FAR more practical.

[@tjd18]

You might also want to check your data about the trams being the first in the UK actually the first public railway was in Wales. The first trams were in Swansea.

[@AdventureMe]

I noted they use a lot of terms. The first public electric powered tram system or something like that.

[@tjd18]

@@AdventureMe I think for me its ore being a Swansea Boy Swansea Never gets get prober Reconison as the worlds First Passenger railway and that Railways became Trams.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

I very much agree with what you say. Looks like the petition has had some success. I assume they have tried applying for Heritage Lottery funding?

[@AdventureMe]

I'm sure they have

[@tiga4180]

These trams must return, they ARE Blackpool! Of course safety must be paramount, but if heritage steam trains can run alongside modern rolling stock on Network Rail, it has to be possible to integrate heritage trams with the modern fleet.

[@brendancrowther7489]

Come on Blackpool council these heritage trams are a big crowd puller I'm 53 and the balloon trams are such an iconic part of Blackpool like the tower they are the sole reason I visit Blackpool for the heritage fleet, like so many others I imagine and yeah I spend my money there on tram rides and the pleasure beach,it would be a much poorer place without the heritage trams,don't loose them they are a big asset to you, many come just for the joy of riding on the heritage trams and in the course of this spend lots of money there

[@PStaveley]

I agree that, effectively it is just a 'political' move. It was probably to try to get funding from other sources. I am pleased to read in some comments that the heritage trams will be back next year, we shall see! I did not realise that the heritage trams are operating out of Starr Gate. From my experience in other fields of heritage transport operation, modern operational vehicles cannot operate from the same depot as a heritage fleet. Essentially, the needs of each fleet are totally different. So I am not surprised that the heritage trams have to be removed from Starr Gate. Just a slight technical correction. Unfortunately the 'Rigby Road depot' (located in Blundell Street and Hopton Street) is NOT listed. For what it is worth, the Blackpool Transport offices, actually in Rigby Road, are locally listed but that is relatively little protection. You mentioned various other attractions and they are listed at the following levels: North Pier: grade II The Winter Gardens: grade II* (i.e. 'grade II star') Tower Buildings: grade I Central Pier: locally listed South Pier: locally listed Several buildings (attractions) in the Pleasure Beach: grade II There are numerous other listed building in Blackpool. Grade II is the lowest level of national building protection and is the most common for listed buildings Grade II* is the next higher level of protection, 5.8% of all listed buildings are Grade II* Grade I is the top level of protection, only 2.5% of all listed buildings are Grade I In order to run a heritage fleet you have to be very selective as to what you keep. Generally it is better to have a few representative vehicles that are well used rather than trying to keep all of them and failing (normally due to lack of income).

[@paulharvey9149]

And so speaks the voice of reason - thank-you, Darren. I think you're probably right: how can they not run the illuminated trams and two or three Balloons or even a railcoach when that time comes? And yes, assuming Sainsbury's don't want to move out of Bispham, a smaller number of trams at Rigby Road might allow the roof to be rebuilt in phases. A smaller one to protect the operational trams and maybe a few that are under active restoration - as who ever heard of a roof being built for a scrapyard? I think that's effectively the back of the depot currently is, is it not? Now, I suppose we shouldn't ask how well practiced you are at not rolling over and letting it all just happen...?!!! 😁😂🤣😂

[@AdventureMe]

Exactly Paul. Thanks 👍

[@steveharrod6911]

Blackpool corporation need to get their act together and start on repairs at the rigby road depot, this is the correct location for the heritage stock, they cannot be expected to work in the new tram depot . all of the workshop and support facilities are at the rigby road site

[@BryanGrint]

The Balloon's are iconic like the London Routemaster Bus. The Brush Cars are too heavily refurbished. Get rid of them as they don't represent Blackpool anymore. Or else give them the traditional windows they had as new.

[@seany84uk]

Where did you get the model ultimate trains? :)

[@AdventureMe]

A good friend made them for me.

[@seany84uk]

@AdventureMe ahh very nice!

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

These double decker trams deserve a 2nd chance in life. Very sad to hear this 😢😭

[@SimonPugh-me2iy]

shame it was a such suddern cancel of the lights trams which were mainly fully booked and have to refund the money withonly few weeks to go before they were due to finish. they also need t understand haat the hertage trams bring people to blackpool and also have people visiitng the isle of man trams while in area. these too have been in news over cutting the length of journey ,shortening horse tram track to add more car park spaces and crazy paving designs. hopefully the hertage trams will return but with more adverts to show general public when operating as alot didnt seem to know the differnce inthe starting points/timetable.

[@j.d.sunderland8113]

Hmm, given the fact that the “historical trams” have been withdrawn from service immediately would suggest that there is an issue (insurance company refusing cover?)…. I don’t for one minute believe that Blackpool Transport would make this decision and risk bad publicity just to make a point, if it was just operational reasons them I am quite sure they would have let this season run it’s course before halting the heritage trams, don’t forget they had to endure all the criticism of running crammed full trams during the fireworks shows, and the reason for that was they couldn’t put any more trams on service is because they have to leave a 1/2 hour gap between the heritage trams, for obvious crash related reasons… Hopefully the heritage trams will return, but on a more professional basis, as IMHO it did seem that it was more a case of “playing with the toys in the toy box”, and when one failed discard it and grab another one, rather than cherish and care for what they had. Bit controversial I know, but based on my own observations, as some of the heritage trams were in dire need of a good clean towards the end…. But thanks for your non sensational, informative video, much appreciated… ;-)

[@royburnley5276]

YES KEEP SOME OLD TRAMS RUNNING IF POSSTABLE. BUT THE TRAM SHED NEEDS NEW ROOF.

[@jerry2357]

Put pressure on the hoteliers of Blackpool: they benefit from the heritage trams, so they should both put pressure on the council to sort out this mess, and also contribute to the costs of restoring Rigby Road.

[@showmanpete2805]

these heritage trams are one of the biggest attractions in Blackpool, looking at the pics of the state of them is shocking. Just for once do what is right and save the depot and the trams

[@frogandspanner]

There should be listed status for whole locations, but Brid should come before Blackpool.

[@ffrancrogowski6263]

Hi. It would be a catastrophe to see the Rigby Road depot close, and not be refurbished. The trams definitely want moving to another site to be kept safe. Has the Blackpool bus fleet not got room at what was the Blundel Street garage back in the day, or has that gone to another location? Something needs doing, like a lottery donation.

[@AdventureMe]

Blundell street site is long gone. But they have the bus depot next door

[@davidwilson7579]

That roof is going to take a lot of money to rebuild as I can see it's asbestos that need to come off possibly but like to see they plan of the modern building my son love the tram as he as a big collection of die cast trams specially the advertisment trams. That was the trams in our days the hot ice and sand castle when they advertised the show as they don't now

[@urbexlostfound2204]

There was around 10 old trams hidden away in a compound in Fleetwood I found around 4 years ago I got pictures on my facebook page off them fella Urbex lost &found

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah a few were saved and back at the depot and some scrapped.

[@urbexlostfound2204]

@ such a waste to scrap them did not need much work when I visited them

[@Nick-zp3ub]

They won't be gone for long. When the council realises the trams attract tourists they will bring them back

[@jackharrison6771]

Shame on them; yet typical of other changes made by Blackpool's Council. Perhaps the worst, was the loss of Blackpool International in its original form, with its big names; like Jet2, Ryanair. and especially Britannia, with their Boeing 757 aircraft,

[@Mia19836]

Paul from The Blackpool Lads posted a video yesterday evening saying the decision has been reversed and the trams will return.

[@dancedecker]

Can we ALL just calm down now, please. As I understand it, after a recent visit by the ORR and the recommendations of the fallout from the Croydon incident is that ALL trams now have to have the safety systems fitted that the statement refers to. The modern Flexity cars are constructed to accommodate these additions. From my understanding, the heritage ones are not. So it is also my understanding that until a method of amending the heritage cars is found, or creating a variation of the safety systems that can be rolled out across the heritage fleet is constructed, the most sensible and safest option is to suspend the heritage cars from running until it can be fitted or amended to be fitted to them. There may be other lesser factors involved, too, but my understanding is that this and this ALONE is the main reason for the suspension. NOTHING is getting scrapped. NOTHING is ending forever. NO depot is becoming housing and the Tramtown Project IS still going ahead. This is PURELY a "safety of operations" decision to ensure that EVERYTHING, both ancient and modern, can SAFELY continue to operate LONG into the future and it appears from the more recent statement that this WILL be solved before next season. Okay? So can we all calm down now, please? Thank you.

[@AdventureMe]

Pretty much what I said in the video. Thanks for the clearer understanding.

[@dancedecker]

@@AdventureMe Yes. Pretty much. It's purely a safety initiative they HAVE to comply with. Simple as that

[@Quasihamster]

Operator: "suspended" "paused "Temporary" Railfans: OMG They'll never return, mark my words. Everything always only ever gets worse. Typical railfan negativity if you ask me.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

1:33 I really hope that you're right but I fear that the use of the word suspend is not as you or I would still use it in everyday language. It's unfortunately almost a given that it's been used as a legal get out for a point in the future when the dread "It is with deep regret that we have to announce that them wonderful ol' trams of ours are for the breakers yard." or something similar. These weasel words are part of the current fashion for ahem covering your arse when it comes to official pronouncements. Take for example the classic "We have every confidence in the manager" which we all know is curtains for him a couple of days later. Take a moment and rack your brain for a time when this type of statement has been followed by a "We're pleased to announce that due to [Father Christmas/the Fairy Godmother/Angry locals threatening to do me in] the suspension is coming to an end [on April the first probably]. What's the difference between these old vehicles and other aged beauties still going strong in other places around the world? The sea air? We fans can only hope that there's a Blackpool version of a Christmas miracle and funding is found to keep them going with all the modern nannying regulations complied with too.

[@Nefarious123]

The petition as been closed and the trams are coming back next summer! 😊

[@nicklowe536]

Good job Rigby road isn't in Preston a lot of our listed buildings seam to set on fire

[@davidwebb4904]

Is it definitely listed? What budget is available for the job? If I knew more details, I may be able to offer up a solution.

[@JamesWheeler-c3o]

Blackpool without the heritage trams is a Blackpool without the tower and the piers they can't they can't get rid of them they just can't

[@wizzwamf]

you talk good old fashioned common sense, and its why we need people like you to dispel hysteria that social media causes because people dont get the facts right.i know beamish borrow trams from blackpool and yes thats a good idea to let stock get out of the yard and keep them running ,also get a little bit of tlc while there being borrowed.

[@tararobertson3775]

Hi, I can't find the link for the petition.x

[@AdventureMe]

It's closed now. They've announced they will be back.

[@harrymcandrew1447]

i noticed quiet alot of peed off people on facebook wittering on about it i dont like trams not even modern ones do own some vintage model ones but only 4

[@tominnis8353]

I admire your optimism but "Suspend" is most likely a euphemism for finish/abandon. It's undoubtedly about money. They probably want to close Rigby Road depot and save the costs of its refurbishment. I sincerely hope I'm wrong!

[@AdventureMe]

It was announced yesterday that they are back 2025 by the head of Blackpool Transport.