Six months until Preston tram rolls on the tracks

One of the trams which could come to Preston, and an artist impression of the Deepdale station

Trams are due to be rolling on a disused section of Preston railway line ‘in the next six months’.

Preston Trampower are continuing to clear the former Longridge-Preston railway line in the Deepdale area.

The firm won planning permission in November last year for the ‘pilot line’ at Deepdale Mill Street.

A depot is to be built with tram station and platform on a small section of the old train line between Skeffington Road and Deepdale Street.

Professor Lewis Lesley, who has spent years battling to bring trams back to Preston, said they were making good progress.

He said: “I’m hopeful with the work all being well then we’ll have the first passengers on in six months time going on the pilot line.

“It’ll be a short demo line to show what it’s like and have trams running regularly one it.

“There’s a great deal of support for bringing trams back to Preston and we’ve got some big plans.”

More of the old railway line becoming clear near the West View Leisure Centre

Originally proposed ahead of the 2012 Guild the tramway is now building momentum again.

Read more: History of ghost railway line running through Preston

Prof Lesley said: “We have a new planning application in for the next stage to bring a fully operating tram line to the city.

“Initial discussions have been positive about it.”

The line would run from Skeffington Road through to the M6 footbridge beyond Gamull Lane – with plans to eventually extend to the Red Scar business estate.

Prof Lesley said: “We’re in talks regarding the former Blue Bell Way park and ride. If you had a private park and ride there with a direct tram service into the city centre – which also called at Deepdale Retail Park – it becomes an attractive shopping option. You could also get to the football there as Deepdale is only a short walk from the Skeffington Road stop.”