DISCUSSIONS are to be held to determine how to make trams easier to board.

A working party is being set up with representatives from Blackpool Transport, Lancashire County Council as well as Blackpool and Wyre Borough Councils.

They will consider the findings of a study by consultants MVA which looked at a range of options for improving access for disabled people, small children and parents with pushchairs among others.

The consultants were also asked to examine the feasibility, costs and benefits of various schemes including adaptations to trams and tramstops as well as providing new vehicles.

According to their research the mixed fleet of trams means the building of raised platforms to give level access to some vehicles and adapting others is a suitable solution.

Other suggestions, although difficult to operate or costly, include providing low floor trailers or new trams.

All the options put forward and the methods of funding the project will now be considered by the working party.

Councillor George Bancroft, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, commented: "We have improved access for disabled people on buses and are now turning our attention to the tramway because we recognise it does present problems for people with mobility difficulties.

"I hope the consultants' report will enable us to go forward to carry on with our policy of creating access for all on to the public transport system."

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