Trampower received news today that planning for the first phase has been granted by Preston City Council.
Trampower submitted plans earlier in the year to reopen disused rail line in Deepdale to form a demonstrator tram line. Plans include erection of masts, overhead cables, construction of a platform and erection of fence and gates at the entrance to the Miley Tunnel. It is hoped by bosses that the Demonstrator Line, stretching over 1.25km, will provide evidence of how a new tram network will operate in Preston.
A second planning application for phase two of the project is now expected to follow for the “Guildline 2012” which is proposed to link Red Scar Industrial Estate, Longridge to the City Centre.
Delighted with the news, Professor Lewis Lesley commented:
“The granting of planning permission is a big step forward and a vote of confidence by Preston in the tramway project. There are still more steps to be achieved before the contractors can move on site to transform a major grot spot into a modern tramway, however, Trampower is working hard to make this happen as soon as possible.”
With work due to take place on the Demonstrator Line before the end of the year, Trampower has appointed a specialist team to liaise with local residents. The consultation work will be carried out in the area in close proximity to the demonstrator line in order to gage public opinion and help to ensure the company are delivering the correct information.
Shaun Baldwin, Janine Hurink and Miklós Baricza, based in Fulwood, started work this month and are currently presenting the tram network proposals to local action and neighbourhood groups. In addition, the new team will carry out questionnaires with local residents and businesses.
Schools will be contacted in January in order for pupils to be the first to visit the demonstrator line and take a trip on the new Preston tram.
Shaun Baldwin, Preston Office Coordinator for the scheme has commented “Our aim is to speak to residents and community groups in the areas which the trams will affect.
“We are extremely keen to reach out to people, and collate as much public opinion as possible in order to assure the success of the trams.