The last remaining Carlisle Tram body is urgently looking for a new home. At present it is in the Undercroft at Carlisle Railway station but the space is required for forthcoming work that is to take place at the station.
It needs to be moved before the 23 November this year. The current size of the body is 15′ long, 6’6″ wide and 8′ high and is constructed mainly out of wood.
The Tram was saved by the Workington Transport Heritage Trust from going on a bonfire in 2005. It was in store at the Swifts Mews on Strand Road in Carlisle at the time and failed to sell at auction. Virgin Trains kindly offered the use of the station Undercroft with a peppercorn rent.
Some restoration of the body has taken place but there is much more to be done so a space where work could carry on, would be appreciated, only requiring lighting and a plug socket for use of small electric hand tools.
The Trust does not have covered accommodation at its current site at Lillyhall, Workington and if the Tram were to leave Carlisle it is very unlikely that it would return. As a charity its resources are very limited and they can’t afford to fund a local storage facility at current commercial rates.
If an offer of local storage is not forthcoming then in all likelihood a bonfire could be its last resting place.
If you can help if know somebody or a company that may be able to help please contact Philip.tuer@virgin.net or phone 01228-522118
