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Tony is made of the write stuff for trams

30/ 4/2004

TRAMS will be returning to the streets of Rochdale in a few years, meaning that history will have turned full circle.

For the town's last electric tram ran in 1932 and now a local transport enthusiast is hoping to write a book about them.

Tony Young has all the right credentials.

As a public transport civil engineer, he has specialised in light rail - or tram systems - and was part of the team which did the early work on the Metrolink system in Manchester.

Mr Young, of Spotland, has already started his research for his new book, which will be the first definitive account of trams in Rochdale.

He said: "Through the generosity of a number of people and the resources of Touchstones I already have a large amount of information."

"A valuable addition would be any personal stories or memories of the trams, which played such a crucial role in the development of the town as we know it today."

"Trams will be returning to the streets of Rochdale in about five years' time when the Oldham/Rochdale line is converted to Metrolink and extended along Maclure Road and Drake Street to the bus station."

"History will then have turned full circle, at least on one short route."

Anyone who can help Mr Young with his research can contact him on 357210 or email tyc@clara.co.uk