AN ICONIC Coronation Street prop is set to be destroyed as ITV bosses scramble to find a buyer.
The Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust is disposing of its trams, but is experiencing problems finding a home for Balloon Car 710 which has been stored at Wyre Dock for several years.
The Trust has a deadline in 2022 to remove its trams from Wyre Dock.
They will need to arrange for it to be dismantled for scrap or spare parts.
There are various examples of this tram at Rigby Road Depot in Blackpool, so there is no need to add a further example to the existing lines of trams stored there.
However, there may well be options for it to be moved elsewhere in the country which may not necessarily be of a transport heritage profile.
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The tram was built on Strand Road, Preston by the English Electric Company.
It is famous for its starring role in the Coronation Street episode watched by over 11million viewers in which villain Alan Bradley met his demise.
Number 247, or 710 in its later format, retains its swing back seating on both decks with seats stored seperately.
It also retains its half-drop side windows and has the original alhambrinal-type ceiling panels, although they are painted over.
On the top deck the curved corner glazing remains unaltered from its wartime enclosed addition.
Passenger interior handles and exterior door fittings are all of the original chromed style as originally built.
In its final years of service it was repainted in a version of Metro Coastlines livery – which has been retained – but has weathered badly due to being stored outdoors.
Before being handed over to the FHLT the tram was put on display in windswept rain on the back of a low loader at the Tram Sunday event.
The tramway was being upgraded in 2011, with bus replacement services to Fleetwood.
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