Apology for man blamed for Blackpool tram crash

Six people were injured in the head-on crash at near Blackpool Pleasure Beach

A man blamed for the worst tram crash in Blackpool's history has received a posthumous apology from the council.

Driver Darrell Pierre was one of six people injured when two trams collided at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1980 and was originally blamed for the accident.

Later, a High Court tribunal concluded a set of points had been left in the wrong position and ruled that Mr Pierre was only partly responsible.

Pierre died in August 2009.

Shortly before his death he gave his son Stephen Pierre his blessing to launch a campaign to clear his name.

He has now received a letter from Blackpool Council which he believes restores his late father's reputation.

'Graciously accept closure'

In the letter dated 3 November, head of legal and democratic services, Mark Lewis stated: "The council is very sorry for any distress or feeling of blame Mr Pierre suffered."

Stephen Pierre said the family are going to "graciously accept closure" now.

Darrell Pierre was a well known character on Blackpool trams

"I don't think my father has been exonerated; it is still ambiguous but I am satisfied they have met me half way and, in the spirit of compromise, I am going to put it to bed now," he said.

"It is belated but I feel justice has been achieved."

Blackpool Council confirmed the letter had been sent.

Trinidad born Darrell Pierre, who suffered multiple injuries in the head-on crash, was a well known character on Blackpool trams.

He was the only full-time black employee at Blackpool Transport when the accident happened on 22 July 1980.