Heritage trams on track to return by October

Lynette Horsburgh
BBC News, Lancashire
Blackpool Council Illuminated heritage tram on Blackpool promenade at night with Central Pier in the background and the Big Wheel lit up.Blackpool Council
The heritage trams were stood down amid safety and maintenance concerns

Blackpool's heritage trams are on track to return to service in the autumn following a series of safety inspections.

The inspections will start in the next few weeks and will give a clear idea of how many trams can be brought back into service.

The old tram service was suspended in December because it was hard to run them alongside the modern fleet. Issues included a lack of depot space as well as safety and maintenance concerns.

Blackpool Transport is hoping the heritage trams be running for the town's Lightpool Festival in October.

The group said it will also be inspecting and cleaning tracks outside the Rigby Road depot before the trams can be moved to its Starr Gate depot, where they will be stored and maintained alongside the newer fleet.

The annual Lightpool Festival features light-based art installations, live performances, 3D projection shows and family-friendly activities around the town centre.

The free event, now in its 10th year, will run from 15 October to 1 November.

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