Preston's long-awaited £19million tram line is one step closer to reality with its pilot project getting the thumbs up from city council planning officials.
The overall transport scheme - brainchild of city company Preston Trampower - will see the disused railway line between Longridge and Preston transformed into the city's very own tram network in what many will hope can reduce congestion across busy roads.
It would also mark Preston's first tram line since 1935.
Now, the firm has received the all clear from planning officers at Preston City Council to create the test section of the site on the old railway line at Skeffington Road.
In August, it applied to bring back to life the 'short section' of the former railway line as the 1,250 metre-long pilot project behind the larger project. As part of this, new tracks will be created as well as masts, overhead cables, a station platform, cycle path, and lighting columns.
The test section will run from Skeffington Road in a north easterly direction towards West View Leisure Centre.
When fully launched, the hope is to see 12 stops across the city including at Deepdale Retail Park, the University of Central Lancashire, Preston city centre, and Deepdale Stadium.
Preston Trampower says the scheme will "ease" congestion across Preston city centre by "enhancing the use of the Park & Ride sites surrounding the city and reducing the number of journeys made by car".