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Last Updated: Monday, 4 April, 2005, 05:53 GMT 06:53 UK
Tramway reopens after �4.5m work
One of the Great Orme trams
The tram first started taking passengers in 1902
A 100-year-old tramway in Llandudno, north Wales, has officially reopened after a facelift costing �4.5m.

The Great Orme Tram has undergone four years of renovation work.

As well as building a new halfway station and refurbishing the track, work on improving disabled access has also been finished.

Council chairman Linda Groom, who cut the ribbon to open the tramway, said she was "delighted the work had been completed".

"The tramway is an important part of our transport strategy and is very popular with visitors," she said.

"I hope this is the start of the next 100 years of operation."

The Great Orme tram
The tram rises on the Great Orme above Llandudno

She added that she hoped the work would allow many more people to enjoy the tram in the future.

Work began on the tram in 1901 and was completed on 31 July, 1902. At the top, it is 679ft (206m) above sea level.

In 2000, Conwy Council secured Heritage Lottery Funding and European Objective One cash to carry out renovation work on the Victorian track.

Wooden sleepers have been replaced with concrete in stages.

One of the drivers Eric Potter said: "People living either side of the track say it's a heck of a lot quieter now, it's a lot better."

Julie Jones, from the council's property services department, said the project had been effective.

"It has been bringing the tramway up to date and extensively refurbishing it," she said.

She added that it could now offer a better service for disabled people.


SEE ALSO:
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18 Nov 03 |  North West Wales
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31 Jul 01 |  Wales
World record for copper mines
27 May 04 |  North West Wales
Vintage celebrations at resort
05 May 03 |  North West Wales


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