No Trams Today!

We walked to a friend this afternoon who lives across from the tram tracks. I don't know why they are still there as the trams only ran for 27 years.

The first tramway in Colne was constructed under the Colne and Trawden Light Railway Order of 1901, and operated by the Leeds firm of Batley and Greenwood (trading as the Colne and Trawden Light Railway Co. Ltd) .

Unfortunately, the advent of World War 1 shortly afterwards, left the fleet and track in a rundown state and a programme of renovation had to be commenced in 1919.

Colne was heavily involved in the textile industry and in the 1920's suffered from a slump in trade. The tramway saw its small profits used by the Council to support other areas. Competition from private bus operators increased, and, with the state of the track declining, economy measures were sought.

On 19th October 1926 the Laneshawbridge tram route was closed, to be replaced by a bus service. This was followed on 3rd June 1928 by the Heifer Lane to Trawden section, Trawden being served by motorbuses from Colne town centre.