Museum's bid to convert tram for wheelchair users

A vintage tram museum is looking to raise £150,000 so it can convert one of its vehicles in order for wheelchair users to ride in it.

Crich Tramway Village, in Derbyshire, said most of its historic trams dated back to an age before wheelchair use was common.

Bosses said the attraction already had a small "access tram", but they wanted a larger vehicle with a greater capacity.

They have identified a tram, built in Blackpool in the 1980s, for the job and hope to retire its predecessor.

The attraction's fundraising manager Roger Shelley said: "The challenge we've got is that we have a wonderful collection of vintage electric trams, but they were built in an age when it was expected that people, all people, would be able to climb up very, very steep steps on to the tram car.

"That's simply just not the case with our visitors here today.

"This will make a real difference to the memorable experience of so many of our visitors - young and old."

Mr Shelley said the tram required a lot of work, including the reinstatement of its electric system and the installation of a heavy duty lift to get wheelchairs aboard.

He added: "We are exploring the possibility of making it possible for somebody who is a wheelchair user to actually be able to drive this tram as well.

"Now, if we manage to achieve that - that would, I think, be a first in this country."

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