“I have always been committed to celebrating our Blackpool heritage and our trams and I share people’s strength of feeling about protecting our proud history. “Over the next few months, we will be working with Tramtown to finalise a funding bid for a new, proper visitor attraction and restoring the main shed where the trams are held. While those plans involve a new home for the workshop, visitor attraction and equipment, in the meantime we are trying to find ways to keep the visitor attraction open for the short term. “This money will allow us to carry out some temporary repairs to the electrics so that it can reopen while we focus on a funding bid for a more permanent home. “The other week I spoke to some of the really passionate volunteers at Tramtown and hopefully this news will be a relief to them that they can get back into the building that they care so passionately about.”

“I’m proud to have secured this funding so Tramtown can reopen, protecting a vital part of Blackpool’s heritage for residents and visitors alike. Our trams are a key part of our heritage and culture and important to our tourism economy – it’s vital we safeguard them for future generations. “I know just how much this means to local people. Many residents have written to me to express their concern about the closure of Tramtown and call for it to reopen as soon as possible. “I’m committed to supporting the vision for Tramtown and working to support the council and its dedicated volunteers to make sure it has a strong, long-term future that our town can be proud of. Once reopened, I encourage all residents to visit and support this unique attraction.”