Blackpool's iconic tram set for £85million upgrade

PRNewswire-GNN London 1 February

London, 1 February /PRNewswire-GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT News Release (018) issued by The Government News
Network on 1 February 2008
Plans to move forward with a £85.3 million refurbishment of the historic
Blackpool and Fleetwood tram system were announced by Transport Minister
Tom Harris today, with the Government contributing £60.3million to the scheme.

The upgrade will bring the network up to 21st century standards and
boost regeneration of the area. This investment is the centrepiece of the
Government's forthcoming response to the Blackpool Task Force report which
recommended ways to regenerate the area.

Improvements will include refurbishment of the track and tram stops out to
Fleetwood, as well as 16 new fully accessible trams. The historic trams will
continue to serve Blackpool's famous seafront promenade.

Today's decision means that Blackpool Council can now start detailed planning
for the work. Subject to successful procurement of the materials required,
the full refurbishment could start in late 2009.

Rail Minister Tom Harris said:

"At over 120 years old, the Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway is part of the
local heritage as well as an important part of the local transport system.

"I want to make sure that tourists and local people alike can continue to
enjoy the tram in years to come and make sure it lies at the heart of the
town's current regeneration plans.

"We will continue to work with the Blackpool Council, Lancashire County Council
and local MPs so they can deliver a modern tramway that is attractive to
passengers and value for money for the taxpayer. I am glad that we are working
towards safeguarding the future of this iconic system for future generations."

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears added:

"This tram investment is a huge boost for Blackpool and an important part
of our package of measures in response to the Blackpool Task Force report.
I am determined to ensure that we do everything possible to boost jobs,
skills, transport and regeneration in Blackpool."

The Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway carries nearly 4 million passenger trips
a year, around 75% of which are visitors to Blackpool.

Blackpool's good news comes on the same day that Tom Harris also announced
the final go-ahead for a £102million package of improvements to Manchester
Metrolink.

Notes to Editors

1. The Government has already contributed £11.8 million for emergency works
to the tram.

2. Blackpool's tram system consists of a single route from Starr Gate near
the South Pier, along the promenade and then to Fleetwood.

3. Government's contribution to the scheme is capped at £60.3 million with
Blackpool and Lancashire Councils contributing £25 million between them.

4. The Blackpool Task Force was established to review "the totality of
economic, social and environmental development plans in the Blackpool
area." (Statement by Tessa Jowell MP, 28 March 2007)

5. The Blackpool Task Force members are the Northwest Development Agency,
Blackpool Council, ReBlackpool, English Partnerships and the Government
Office for the North West.

6. The report was published in July 2007 and is available here:
http://www.nwda.co.uk/news--events/press-releases/200701/task-force-report-proposes-a-n.aspx

7. The Government has been working with Blackpool and regional agencies
to develop responses to its recommendations. An overall response will be
published in the coming weeks.

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Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk