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Roses battle over tram trials
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| A Blackpool tram |
Plans to run Blackpool trams to Preston could move a step closer if the outgoing ReBlackpool chairman gets his way.
The Government this week announced a national trial of tram train technology, invented in Germany, which will enable trams to run on to national rail tracks.
ReBlackpool has campaigned to trial this technology on the Blackpool South to Preston line, and is applying to the EU for a major grant to test the trams on the upgraded Promenade tramway.
But the Government's announcement states that the trial will take place on the 37-mile train line that runs between Sheffield and Penistone, starting in 2010.
There would also be an option to stage a second phase which would test the vehicles on the Sheffield Supertram system, to see what additional benefits the vehicles can deliver when extended onto city centre tram lines.
And now Professor Sir Peter Hall, who leaves ReBlackpool in May to head the bid for tramway funding, has declared a war of the roses on Sheffield.
He said: "Going into Sheffield is a step too far. We can't allow Yorkshire to claim a double prize.
"Before this happens, in 2012 we shall be running our Red Rose LancsTram on the newly-upgraded Blackpool promenade tram track beside Blackpool's own new supertrams.
"This will be our own Tramway Olympics - the greatest tram show in Britain.
"When I shake hands with my successor, I shall be able to say that we've just launched our bid to meet the EU's deadline of May 9.
"We're fully confident that we have a winning scheme that will allow us to prepare for the new service, including a demonstration of the trams.
"I don't intend to allow Yorkshire to steal a lead on Blackpool. Sheffield: you've been warned!"
12:10pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
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