The trolleybus era in Hastings, September 1958.
On 1st October 1957, Trolleybus operator, Hastings Tramways Company ceased to exist, when it was wound up and taken over by Maidstone and District Motor Services. Within twelve months, in August 1958, Maidstone and District announced that it would be ending trolleybus operation in the seaside town and that all trolleybuses would be replaced by modern Leyland Atlantean motorbuses. Despite a strong 'Save our Trolleybuses' campaign by the local townspeople, the system would close on the night of 31st May 1959, when trolleybus No28 (BDY803) would make the final journey to Silverhill Depot.
In this fine colour view, taken by transport enthusiast Mr R Copson on the 14th September 1958, the system's intended closure had already been announced. The picture shows trolleybus No21 (BDY976), now devoid of its gold 'Hasting Tramways' fleet name, begining the decent of High Street towards Fishmarket and the seafront, on the No2 Circular route. The narrow street only afforded the trolleybuses two passing points along its restricted width. Today, traffic is banned from High Street, and the road has been bypassed to the East of this location.
Trolleybus 21 was one of ten Sunbeam 'W' Trolleybuses (21-30, BDY796-BDY805) delivered new to Hastings between January and April 1946. On the closure of the system, all ten were sold to Bradford City Transport for further service.
The trolleybus era in Hastings, September 1958.
On 1st October 1957, Trolleybus operator, Hastings Tramways Company ceased to exist, when it was wound up and taken over by Maidstone and District Motor Services. Within twelve months, in August 1958, Maidstone and District announced that it would be ending trolleybus operation in the seaside town and that all trolleybuses would be replaced by modern Leyland Atlantean motorbuses. Despite a strong 'Save our Trolleybuses' campaign by the local townspeople, the system would close on the night of 31st May 1959, when trolleybus No28 (BDY803) would make the final journey to Silverhill Depot.
In this fine colour view, taken by transport enthusiast Mr R Copson on the 14th September 1958, the system's intended closure had already been announced. The picture shows trolleybus No21 (BDY976), now devoid of its gold 'Hasting Tramways' fleet name, begining the decent of High Street towards Fishmarket and the seafront, on the No2 Circular route. The narrow street only afforded the trolleybuses two passing points along its restricted width. Today, traffic is banned from High Street, and the road has been bypassed to the East of this location.
Trolleybus 21 was one of ten Sunbeam 'W' Trolleybuses (21-30, BDY796-BDY805) delivered new to Hastings between January and April 1946. On the closure of the system, all ten were sold to Bradford City Transport for further service.