Lancastrian Transport Trust LTT latest bus and tram news

Press Release - Raising the Standard
* Artwork by Ian Stewart	LTT wins funding for Standard 143 restoration project Press Release: Whilst the resort awaits the results of its £88m supertram bid, a veteran Blackpool tram that last carried passengers back in 1957 is going to receive a makeover to allow it to return to the Promenade once again thanks to a £25,000 grant from the lottery supported Local Heritage Initiative (LHI). Local group the Lancastrian Transport Trust submitted the bid in August and have just received the go-ahead for the £50,000 project. Philip Higgs, Trustee said "We are delighted to win the funding. Trams are part of Blackpool's uniqueness and the chance to restore this locally built tram is an exciting project". "Standard" type tram (No.143) was built in 1924 by Corporation craftsmen at the Rigby Road works for operation in the resort and is a key part of Blackpool's tramway heritage. When built the driver stood on an open platform, exposed to the weather, and the upper deck ends also had open balconies. Over the next two years the tram will be fully restored to its original condition. When work is complete the tram will return to the tramway, operated by Blackpool Transport, where tourists and residents of Blackpool will be able to travel back in time on this gem from yesteryear. Blackpool Transport will be overseeing the project, offering assistance and expert advice to ensure that the final outcome is a 1920s tram safe to operate in the 21st century. However, the project will involve more than just the nuts and bolts of restoring the tram itself. The local community will be involved in a series of hands-on workshop sessions to learn restoration techniques and the Trust are also committed to capturing memories of these trams in service with co-operation from the North West Sound Archive. Philip added "We also want to involve local artists in the project by painting trams of this type in typical 1920s Blackpool Promenade and street scenes". The Local Heritage Initiative was launched in February 2000 to give communities funds, advice and support to care for their local heritage. Local Heritage Initiative is a national grant and advice scheme, devised and run by The Countryside Agency on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported by the Nationwide Building Society. Over the past five years, this unique three-way partnership has successfully enabled more than 1,200 communities to undertake projects celebrating their local heritage, gain new skills and develop a greater awareness of the importance of heritage on their doorstep, with the total value of grant awards exceeding £18 million. The scheme has funded projects throughout England, with several projects in Lancashire, but the tram project is the first successful application for Blackpool Work on the tram will start in November and is scheduled for completion in 2007. The bulk of the restoration work will take place at the Trust's premises on Clifton Road Industrial estate, which is grant funded by Blackpool Borough Council and Blackpool Challenge Partnership. Regular updates of the project will be featured on this website. *(6/9/05*)
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