SOUTH
LINK
FREE
Issue 75 South Liverpool September 2013
The monthly independent advertiser 23,000 copies 18,500 into Homes 4,500 into Businesses in Woolton, Gateacre, Childwall, L18, L17, L15, Woolton Hill, Woolton Park and Calderstones.
WHAT’S INSIDE
ON THE RIGHT LINES
STRANGE TALES
by Stephen Guy
Excitement grew as the experimental new mode of transport linking the city centre to south Liverpool became a reality. In November 1898 electric trams started rumbling along the lines between Derby Square and Dingle. Within a few weeks,
trial services along the six mile route were declared a success. Over the next few years electric trams were running on 140 miles of track around the city. Previously trams had been horse-drawn and had literally followed a rocky road before operating suc-
cessfully. The earliest Liverpool trams ran from 1860 but the lines were laid in troughs below the street surface, causing many accidents. The lines were such a nuisance they had to be taken up. An 1868 Act of Parliament stipulated that the rails must be
by Anton Valdemart
PROPERTY LINK level with the road surface, reducing accidents although they remained a hazard to the unwary. With the arrival of electric trams came a debate about doubledeckers. Advocates of single-deckers declared they were quicker to load and unload passengers. Staircases were improved so people could get up and down more rapidly. However, the issue of putting roofs on the top deck had to be resolved. Early attempts brought complaints
that the top deck was stuffy with an offensive atmosphere in the summer. A report declared: “Outside travelling during a considerable portion of the year is both pleasant and beneficial. It is well known that a large number of people in the summer months avail themselves of it purely for constitutional purposes.” Tr a m s b e c a m e overcrowded downstairs in cold or wet weather because people were reluctant to go on top.
Covered cars were introduced in 1903 – the roofs could be brought in and out of use in less than a minute. Eventually most trams were built with permanently covered top decks.
depots making sure the trams were spick and span. Seats, floors, stairs and platforms were daily sprayed with diluted perchloride of mercury, which would be considered a health hazard today.
An open-topped tram is pictured travelling along Aigburth Road where overhead power was provided using central poles.
Bye-laws banned passengers from spitting, swearing and other offensive behaviour.
More than a century ago many people rarely bathed and cleaning the tram interiors was a priority. Squads of cleaners went into action at the
• Learn more about the history of Liverpool at the M u s e u m o f Liverpool, PierHead, open 10 am to 5 pm every day, admission free.
LIVERPOOL MUTUAL HOUSING
WINING & DINING LINK SERVICES LINK WHAT’S ON
FIND LILLY LINK
Book your Christmas Adverts now Party Bookings for Christmas now being taken
Indian Retaurant Cocktail Lounge & Tapas Bar
Open for Christmas Lunch traditional Christmas menu or Indian kulchi lamb Book now as limited seatings available!
544/548 Aigburth Rd, Liverpool L19 Telephone: 427 2273 www.gulshan-liverpool.com
This Size Advert inside £125 For Three Months + VAT
Oct, Nov and Dec
Accident at work?
You’ll want us on your side. No Win No Fee
City : Allerton : Garston
• Turfing • Flagging • Block Paving • Fencing • Decking Free Quoting • Est over 20 Years Mob 07929 180646 0151 724 4302 7 Booker Ave., Liverpool www.bookerlandscapes.com Email: warren@bookerlandscapes.com
Free Marshalls 10 year Guarantee
0151 236 5000 www.gadllp.co.uk