Heaton Park Tram- Photo by Stephen McKay

Cable theft at Heaton Park Tramway sees community pull together

  • Overhead cables at Heaton Park vintage tramway stolen
  • Damage has put the tramway out of service "indefinitely"
  • Community raises go fund me target in less than 24hrs

The Heaton Park Tramway in north Manchester is out of service “indefinitely” after suspected metal theifs stole and damaged overhead cables.

The theft cut power to the tramways lakeside depot, meaning that volunteers cannot move any of the trams. 

Tram wire theft
Damaged cables – Photo: Heaton Park Tramway

Volunteers are still assessing the damage and say the true cost will not be discovered until the assessment is complete.

It is believed the cable was taken between Sunday evening and Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson for the Heaton Park Tramway said: “Between 20m and 40m of copper over head wire has been taken and we believe sold for scrap due to its scrap value.

“It has been reported to GMP, who are currently investigating the theft.”

Wellwishers flooded a Facebook post announcing the theft with support from as far away as New Zealand.

A GoFundMe page was set up with the target of £3000 which has been met and suppassed in less than 24hrs. 

The spokesperson added: “We are extremely overwhelmed by the support we have recieved from the local community and also the enthusiast community who have all pulled together and helped massively.”

Stolen Cable
Damage caused by the theft – Photo: Heaton Park Tramway

The money raised will be used to hire a cherry picker and purchase replacement wire, with the remainder going towards the tramways Lakeside Depot expansion fund.

The vintage tramline run jointly by Manchester City Council and the Manchester Transport Museum Society and was first used in 1903.

If you would like to donate the Go Fund Me page can be found here.

Anyone with information on the theft should contact Greater Manchesser Police on 101.