Preston Tram Service making a return after 85 years

Cast your mind back to Preston 1935. The majority of us weren’t around then but if your grandparents are still alive they’ll tell you about the mode of transport that was used to travel to work and other means. 

 

I am of course referring to the tram service and now thanks to an innovative design it is now preparing for an 85 year renaissance.

 

Four years ago a pilot line was backed but was delayed by land ownership issues, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. 

 

As we close 2020 that issue has now been resolved by combining the route with work to a nearby cycleway, after a provisional deal between the council and Network Rail.

 

A series of councillors voted for a 200 metre stretch of disused track in Ribbleton to be used as a demonstrator line.

 

Councillor Peter Moss, deputy leader at Preston City Council, explained the initial run of the tram service, 

 

“Members of the public would not be able to travel on the route during the testing scheme. The plan was a step in the right direction cementing Preston's growing reputation as a great city for investment".

 

The testing stage will begin at Skeffington Road and the West View Leisure Centre. It is due to take place Easter 2021. 

 

In addition, Preston Trampower aims to create a three-mile 'Guild Line' running from Red Scar - near junction 31 of the M6 - to the city's university quarter by early 2022. Despite this promising outline, the proposal would require separate planning permission.

 

The plan would allow six trams to run at six-minute intervals along 12 stops. Existing railway infrastructure would form the basis of the route,  specialist track however, would be laid at various points where trams along the road network - although significant excavation work is not expected.

 

Lincoln Shields, from Preston Trampower, revealed long term aims of the project and what it could mean for public transport,  

 

“I hope routes would eventually run to new housing developments in South Ribble, in the direction of Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall - housebuilders in that area are very keen for their developments to be serviced by a tramway. There could also be a spur off that to the Capitol Centre park and ride - meaning trams could effectively replace that bus service." 

 

Further work will see another line heading west across the river Penwortham and the dock area, utilising a disused bridge.

 

What are your thoughts on this? Is this a good or bad thing for the people of Preston and it’s surrounding neighbourhood?

 

Plans for a test tram line in Preston have been approved, which could lead to its return after 85 years.

 

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger