"I received threats when folk thought our trams were at risk"
Concerns over Tram Town lead to threats and police involvement
Blackpool’s heritage trams were at the centre of an emotional discussion during a Full Council meeting last night, as fears grow over the future of Tram Town’s workshop facilities.
Council Leader Cllr Lynn Williams revealed that she had received threats and had to involve the police after a video made by opposition leader Cllr Paul Galley discussing Tram Town plans highlighted her email address.
The council chamber was packed with residents worried about the trams, which are hailed as an invaluable piece of Blackpool’s culture and history.
Debate over Tram Town
Cllr Galley, who is also Tramtown’s volunteer coordinator, raised concerns in the meeting over the potential demolition of Tram Town’s engineering works, used for fitting, painting, and maintaining parts for the heritage trams.
“Members have given so much of themselves to the project...and feel thoroughly let down,” Cllr Galley said.
Cllr Emma Ellison added to the discussion, raising concerns about the tram shed’s condition. She stated that its leaking roof put the trams at risk, saying, “As far as I’m aware, it’s not safe, it’s not dry and the roof is falling in.”
Council officers have said no firm decision has yet been made regarding demolition plans, adding that the trams themselves are stored in a separate facility. Council Leader Williams emphasized the importance of finding a sustainable future for Tram Town despite the challenges presented.
“We are not getting rid of the heritage trams,” Cllr Williams said, noting ongoing discussions with the Heritage Lottery Fund and promises for long-term solutions.
Concerns over communication
Addressing the controversy, Cllr Williams said the issue of demolition had first been discussed 10 years ago but acknowledged that volunteers had not been adequately informed of the history.
“It is most important that we focus on the way forward and deliver a sustainable future for Tram Town,” she added.
However, Cllr Galley called for transparency, urging the council to create a steering group to ensure better communication with volunteers and prevent further decisions being made “behind their backs.”
Threats over heritage tram fears
Cllr Williams revealed that while most messages she received regarding Tram Town expressed genuine concern, some contained unpleasant and threatening content, forcing her to contact the police for the first time during her time as a councillor.
“For the first time ever as a councillor, I have had to report those to the police,” she said, addressing Cllr Galley.
She added that videos raising concerns about the trams had made the issue “personal” and stressed the need to resolve the matter constructively.
In response, Cllr Galley apologized for the messages but defended his efforts to raise public awareness, saying, “What we were trying to do was raise this in public because if this continues and we lose the workshops, we will never be able to make the parts again.”