NORTH WEST

Blackpool: The decision by Wyre Borough Council to allow pensioners free off- peak travel on the Blackpool tramway is expected to mean a rise in passenger numbers to over the five million mark over the next year. The increase in frequencies to 19 minutes has relieved overcrowding during peak periods. Mossley: The new Mossley Hill station buildings are complete. Tregarth: The 300- yard tunnel on the former LNWR Bangor- Bethesda route ( closed to passengers on December 1 1951 and to freight on October 7 1963) is to be incorporated into the Lôn Las Ogwen public footpath and cycleway from Porth Penrhyn. The project will cost around £430,000.