Town's heritage trams suspended from service

Blackpool Transport Services said it needed to reassess the role of the trams

A seaside town's popular heritage tram service has been suspended.

Blackpool Transport Services said operating the older trams alongside the town's modern fleet had become increasingly challenging.

A statement on the company's website said general safety and maintenance issues had made it difficult to run the service effectively.

The modern trams are being fitted with new safety systems which the company says would allow them to improve operational efficiency.

The statement said operating the trams alongside the modern fleet had seen "issues such as depot space, tram movements, general safety and maintenance conflicts making it difficult to continue running the service effectively".

It continued: "The heritage trams are a cherished part of Blackpool's history, and we fully recognise their importance to the community, however, ensuring the ongoing safety and sustainability of the service has become increasingly complex."

It added the decision "was not taken lightly" and offered an opportunity to reflect on the role of the heritage tram service, which has run since 2011 within a "modernised and safe tramway network".

The company said it was dedicated to finding "innovative opportunities to honour and showcase Blackpool's tramway history".