Park’s tramway is back on track

TRANSPORT bosses have stepped in to help Heaton Park Tramway after thieves struck.

Yobs stole overhead copper wiring from above the track at some point between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday.

The historic tramway, operated by Manchester Transport Museum Society, was forced to shut ‘indefinitely’ until the damage could be repaired.

Transport for Greater Manchester and KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) have now joined forces to help the tramway start operating again.

Bosses are providing a section of contact wire used on the Metrolink and Manchester Tramway Museum staff will check if it can be used on the heritage network.

If the trial is successful KAM will provide a length of wire to power the network.

And if it is not suitable transport chiefs will seek a replacement wire from elsewhere.

The tramway is the only remaining part of the Manchester Corporation Tramways, which ran in the city between 1901 and 1949.

When news of the theft broke kind-hearted people donated more than £4,000 to help the tramway volunteers.

Chris Stinchcombe, Director of Engineering at KAM, said: “We were saddened to hear the entire future of Heaton Park tramway was under threat because of the theft.

“There are strong links between us and them and, over the years, our staff have volunteered their time and expertise to support Heaton Park Tramway.

“We just have to try and help - so we’re trying to source wire for them that matches their equipment and offering the expertise of KAM’s own engineers, and our partners Pod-Trak, to complete the repairs in the hope we can get the tramway moving again.”

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “Not only is Heaton Park Tramway a gateway to our transport history, it’s a fantastic attraction enjoyed by thousands of people every year.

“While it is out of operation there will be plenty of very disappointed people and it’s appalling that thieves would target it in this way.

“As soon as soon as we heard about the theft, we knew we had to do whatever we could to help.

“Hopefully, by working with KAM, we’ll be able to help reinstate the tramway sooner rather than later.”