Blackpool Tramways

[St Helens Rider]

RE: Blackpool Tramways
This is a surprise!

Birkenhead 20 to visit Blackpool!

We are delighted to announce that Birkenhead open top tram no.20 is to shortly to visit Blackpool for a 12 month loan! Tram 20 was built for the Birkenhead Corporation system by local firm Milnes in 1900 and originally ran in its home town for 37 years. Following withdrawal the body of the tram spent many years in use as a shed near the banks of the River Dee until it was rescued for preservation by members of the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society (MTPS) in 1983. Restoration was completed in Birkenhead in 1999, and since then the immaculate tram has graced the tracks of the Wirral Heritage Tramway – taking to the rails in its home town once more after an absence of over 60 years.

Now, following talks with our very good friends at the MTPS, it has been agreed that no.20 can visit Blackpool for a period of operation. This will allow it to be appreciated by a different audience as it adds to the variety offered by Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours!

Sponsorship for the move from Birkenhead to Blackpool, which is expected to take place later this month, has been provided courtesy of the enthusiast website British Trams Online (http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk), and the Blackpool Heritage Trust would like to offer sincere thanks for their readiness to support the loan. Huge thanks are also extended to the MTPS for allowing tram 20 to pay us a visit. This will be the first time that a tram from the former Birkenhead Corporation system has ever run in Blackpool, and it will also be the first 'new' visitor here for a number of years. We are sure that this lovely open top tram will prove extremely popular during its time with us!

Watch this space for details of the entry into service of tram 20 in Blackpool!

Credit: Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours Facebook Page.