Today Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden and Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Joan Humble greeted Transport Minister Tom Harris as he arrived in Blackpool to announce £85.3 million of new funding for Blackpool’s Tramway.

Mr Marsden welcomed the Minister to Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom and said “My colleague Joan Humble and I have lobbied long and hard for this investment in Blackpool’s iconic tramway. This vital injection of cash from the Government will bring our Tram network up to 21st century standards and boost economic regeneration in the town. I pay tribute to all those at Blackpool Council and ReBlackpool who have worked so hard to help achieve this outcome and I think it underlines the Government’s strong commitment to the regeneration of Blackpool, about which we hope to hear more good news soon.”

Joan Humble commented “We are very grateful to Minister Tom Harris and the Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly who have listened so positively to all the points we have made to them. I am delighted we’ve got this substantial investment from the Government to renew the vital transport link up the Fylde coast. The tram carries visitors and local residents and is an essential link between Blackpool’s tourist attractions and the shops and seafront in Thornton and Cleveleys.”

The Government’s contribution to the scheme is £60.3 million and Blackpool and Lancashire Councils are contributing £25 million between them.

Improvements will include refurbishment of the track and tram stops out to Fleetwood, as well as 16 new fully accessible trams. The historic trams will continue to serve Blackpool's famous seafront promenade.