88 SCIENTIFIC SURVEY OF BLACKPOOL AND DISTRICT 



operation in this country at the time. The close proximity of the tram track 

 to the sea resulted in many stoppages, and with stiff westerly breezes both 

 sand and water blew over to such an extent that the traffic had to be suspended 

 for as much as two or three consecutive days, during which period it was 

 necessary to caulk with ropes the slots in the tram track so as to minimise the 

 filling up of the channels. After much controversy and a visit by a Council 

 deputation to Continental cities, the overhead traction system was installed 

 (1898), and to-day Blackpool has an exceedingly fine fleet of tramcars, older 

 stock being gradually replaced by cars of the latest design. From the small 

 beginning in 1885 with 10 cars, the undertaking has had a remarkable develop- 

 ment. In 1919 the Corporation obtained an Act of Parliament confirming 

 their purchase of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramroad Company's under- 

 taking, and became owners and operators of the tramways from Blackpool 

 northwards to the borough of Fleetwood. 



In 1 924 the re-laying of the track from Cocker Street (north) to the Gynn 

 led to removing the tramway from the carriage drive. This was effected by 

 converting the westerly footpath of the Promenade and part of the slope leading 

 down to the Middle Walk into a separate tram track laid on a sleeper foundation 

 (thus ensuring smooth running of the cars), and leaving the carriage drive free 

 for vehicular traffic. A new footpath on the westerly side of the new tram 

 track was formed by the erection of an overhanging cantilever, providing 

 thereunder on the Middle Walk a sheltered walk throughout, with continuous 

 seating. Colonnaded embayments were also constructed on the Middle 

 Walk. The works were completed in February, 1925, at a cost of £42,000. 



The Corporation, under their statutory powers, and subject to the Road 

 Traffic Acts, have also established excellent bus services in the borough, and 

 mutual running powers to a certain extent exist both as regards tramcars and 

 buses between Lytham St. Annes, the adjoining borough on the south, thus 

 providing a well-equipped service of transport from Fleetwood on the north to 

 Lytham St. Annes on the south. From the yearly profits of the transport 

 undertaking handsome sums are contributed to the relief of Blackpool's rates. 

 In 1896 the number of passengers carried was 1 ,440,570. Last year there were 

 49,092,454 passengers on the tramcars and 14,318,995 on the buses, a total of 

 over 63 millions. 



There are 196 tramcars and 82 Corporation-owned buses, and another 25 

 are on order. The Corporation now possess power to operate electric trolley 

 buses. 



Electricity. 



The Corporation were pioneers in the use of electricity for lighting and 

 traction purposes. 



Powers were obtained in the Tramways Orders Confirmation Act, 1884, 

 to run tramways along the Promenade on the conduit system by electricity. 

 An Electric Lighting Order was obtained in 1890, and by July, 1892, a move 

 was made in the erection of works. On 13th October, 1893, the works were 

 opened for supply by Lord Kelvin, one of the foremost scientists of his day. 

 Here again is an instance of the development of an undertaking being 

 phenomenal. The Corporation began business with 30 consumers, their 



