Latest on 710

John Woodman

Blackpool Transport's Heritage team have realised the funding needed to cover transport costs for 710 and its transfer from Fleetwood (finally many will say) to Rigby Road. The date of this move is not yet confirmed but certainly within the next two or three weeks.

The tram's final destination has garnered quite considerable publicity with the BBC online news providing a detailed background of the tram's status and appeal for funds to cover costs of its move. Whilst the years in outside storage at Wyre Dock have not been kind to the tram's structural integrity it is to be hoped that once installed under cover at Tram Town - a patient application of conservation will recreate its appearance when it 'starred' in the Corry episode watched by many millions of viewers.

One of the contributors to the tram's moving costs is a former BCT Body Shop employee who worked on revamping the Balloon cars in the 1960s and 1970s and fondly recalling his time at Rigby Road. His work included changing the destination indicator apertures to a single unit.

Hopefully the weather will be kind to 710's departure from Fleetwood. Its arrival for a Tram Sunday event was marked by incessant rain and high winds - as some may recall.

The imposing front of 710 seen here after the tram had been received in the storage yard of a Fleetwood import business. Jubilee 761 stands alongside - another special car secured by the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust for its intended waterfront scheme. Number 761 was also safely transferred back to Rigby Road for intended display a few years later aided by the then LTT team.