Blackpool trams closed for five months

[G-CPTN]

Blackpool's tram system, which carries four million passengers a year, has closed for five months for refurbishment.

From (and more at):- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/8349959.stm

[Western SMT]

The original Blackpool tram system was approved in 1884 with the first rail being laid in March 1885. A short demonstration run was possible in July, even so the locals thought this was taking far too long to complete.
The official opening was Tuesday 29th September 1885, which was also the day the Lifeboat Fete was held.

[Govanbill]

Advising passengers to use the buses would seem quite sensible given the distance from Stargate to Fleetwood on a wet and windy day.

[springs branch mickey]

The Blackpool websites tell us that new Bombadeer trams will operate from Stargate to Fleetwood. A few of the old trams will be used, but the majority are to be sent to museums.
mickey