Accrington on Rails - The Tramways: A Complete History - Robert Kenyon

The Electricity & Tramways Committee met again when the Tramways Manager reported he was about to order a quantity of tickets for the tramway, and he quoted a price for placing an advertisement on their reverse side. It was resolved that this space should be taken up by this Committee at the price quoted for advertising the use of electricity generated by this Corporation. August At a meeting of the Tramways Sub-Committee, they considered the question of what period the return tickets should be valid. It was resolved that all return tickets would be valid on the day of issue only. The sub-Committee then considered the proposition of allowing two 1 penny passengers travelling together for 1½ pence. It was resolved that in view of the number of concessionary tickets already available to passengers it was an inopportune time to be introducing any more. September The Tramways Sub-Committee met, and looked into the possibility of introducing further discounted tickets for the benefit of more passengers boarding at intermediate stops. It was resolved to refer this question to the Electricity & Tramways Committee for further consideration. At a meeting of the Electricity & Tramways Committee, it was resolved to defer the question passed on to them by the Sub Committee with regard to introducing more discounted tickets. The Town Clerk reminded the meeting that the Accrington Corporation Tramway (Temporary Increase in Charges Order) 1924, would cease to have effect from December 31 st next. He suggested that if a further extension was required, the application to the Ministry should be in by October 15 th and this should be accompanied by data and particulars on forms as was the case with all previous applications. It was resolved in view of the continuing increases in the costs of running a tramway, including maintenance and renewals as compared with when the fares and charges were fixed and limited, it was essential that the powers vested in the Corporation should be continued. The Council would therefore be recommended to make an application to the Ministry of Transport for an extension of the current order. October At a meeting of the Electricity & Tramways Committee the Tramway Manager reported he had received an application on behalf of the disabled ex-servicemen resident in the Borough of Haslingden for the privilege of riding on the Accrington tramcars without any charge. It was resolved that he should make further enquiries and report to the Sub-Committee, who were empowered to use their discretion subject to a ‘reciprocal’ arrangement being made on behalf of Accrington’s disabled ex-servicemen. November The Town Council met, when it was resolved to divide the Electricity & Tramways Committee into two, and appoint separate Committees for each branch of the Corporation’s undertakings . The Tramways Sub-Committee met and it was resolved to purchase a new Motor Ambulance, as the present vehicle was causing delays to calls due to mechanical failures. However, it was resolved to retain this vehicle despite its age as it was in relatively good condition, to use as a back-up to the new one. It was then decided that Tramway shelters should be provided at Oakleigh on the Clayton-le-Moors Section, and at the Victoria passing loop on the Baxenden Section. The Tramway Manager and the Borough Surveyor were authorised to investigate these possibilities and report back to the next meeting. It was further resolved that a service should operate on the Oswaldtwistle Section at a 10 minute frequency between the hours of 08:10 and 10:05 on Saturday mornings, instead of every 20 minutes as was currently the case. This enhanced service would commence operations on Saturday, December 12 th . The Tramway Manager then read out a letter from the Secretary of the T&GWU with respect to a grievance which had arisen between the Chief Inspector and two of the Motormen. It was resolved to leave this matter in the hands of Mr Pilling to deal with. Consideration was then given to a Mr John Wilson of Church Street in Accrington, who had applied for permission to use the tramway standards standing between Church and Accrington to install a privately owned telephone line. It was resolved to refuse his request. T he Tramways Committee met to receive an application from the Accrington & District Chamber of Commerce, for permission to advertise the forthcoming ‘British Shopping Week’ on the tramcars at no cost to them. Consideration of this request was deferred. December At a meeting of the Town Council, it was resolved that the minute referring to the purchase of a new Motor Ambulance should be referred back to the Tramways Sub-Committee for their consideration and decision. The Tramways Sub-Committee met, and authorised the Tramway Manager to obtain tenders for the supply of a new Motor Ambulance, as sanctioned by the Full Council on December 7 th . It was also resolved that tenders for the supply of 50 mackintoshes for the use of the Motormen should be obtained. It was then resolved the Tramway Manager should approach Haslingden Corporation with a view to introducing a cheaper return fare than the 8 pence one currently available for passengers travelling

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