Blackpool Trams Restore

[OMGitsDAVE]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-16031069


Inmates at a prison in Lancashire are to work with tram enthusiasts to refurbish two heritage Blackpool trams.

Blackpool Corporation Transport bought 20 of the trams in 1937, which ran to Fleetwood until 2005. The two trams, which have since been bought by the Friends of Fleetwood Trams, are now being taken to Kirkham Prison for the restoration. The traditional tram service between Blackpool and Fleetwood has since finished.


A new light rail service is expected to begin next year. John Woodman, from the Friends of Fleetwood, said having the co-operation of the prison service was "a massive bonus".

He said he hoped the inmates would also help to refurbish the Victorian tram depot in Copse Road, which the group want to turn into a museum.

Mr Woodman said: "The trams in this depot are as famous as Blackpool Tower.

"Somewhere along the Fylde coast there needs to be a visitor attraction in which they can be displayed for future generations, and that's our intention."

Inmates at Kirkham Prison have previously restored a boat for Donna's Dream House, a holiday home in Blackpool for seriously ill children.

 

[BestWestern]

Despite the slightly unlikely situation, this is doubtless one of the most positive bits of news on the ongoing saga in the past few weeks. Nice to see these guys using their time to put something positive back into the world, fair play to them, and top marks to the preservationists for thinking of this avenue (assuming it was their idea!).

 

[umontu]

I live not too far from that prison. They used to have a bad reputation for people escaping. But now they're always providing things like this to help their inmates.
This is very good news indeed!

 

[theblackwatch]

According to 'Trams Today' on Facebook, the two trams concerned are 621 and 627. This is excellent news and it is good to see at least one of the groups with a selection of trams is making progress in finding homes for its vehicles.

 

[BestWestern]

According to 'Trams Today' on Facebook, the two trams concerned are 621 and 627. This is excellent news and it is good to see at least one of the groups with a selection of trams is making progress in finding homes for its vehicles.

Indeed. Though I still feel that they'd be better off all joining forces and combining their efforts to create one high quality facility in the area, the market won't support several of them