Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Committee

History
From the 1st April 1933, and for the last two years of their collective lives, the municipal tramway systems of Burnley, Colne and Nelson Corporations were amalgamated, along with their respective bus operations, into a unitary concern, the Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Committee. The system totalled approximately 15.68 miles of tramway, comprising a main line between Burnley and Colne via Nelson, a branch from Nelson to Higherford Bridge, and the former Burnley Corporation Tramways system, bar the already closed lines to Rose Grove and Harle Syke.

Burnley Corporation was without doubt the major player in the BC&NJTC, and its views tended to be transposed onto the enterprise as a whole. Burnley Corporation Tramways had changed manager in 1932, bringing a 'bus man' in who viewed the tramways as an anachronism that needed to be replaced — with buses of course — as soon as practicable, and irrespective of how well-maintained the system had been, how much investment had been made, or the nature of the terrain, which was to prove challenging for the bus technology of the time.

With Colne Corporation having begun the abandonment of its tramway system in 1926, having allowed what remained to run down significantly in the interim, it was perhaps a foregone conclusion that the BC&NJTC would follow suit. Although Nelson Corporation were very much against tramway abandonment, having replaced their entire tramway fleet barely 13 years beforehand, the majority view prevailed, Nelson being out-voted.

The last trams over former Nelson and Colne Corporation tracks ran on the 6th January 1934, with those of Burnley following suit 15 months later on the 7th May 1935.

Uniforms
Photos suggest that the BC&NJTC retained the same style of uniforms as those latterly issued by Burnley Corporation Tramways, though this may be due to the photographic record overwhelmingly depicting former employees of that system, which made up over two-thirds of the new concern. It is unknown whether new uniforms were issued — either wholesale or piecemeal — or whether the uniforms were retained and only the insignia replaced.

Both motormen and conductors wore double-breasted jackets with two rows of four buttons (presumably carrying the BC&NJTC monogram — see link), three waist-level pockets (with flaps) and lapels; the latter appear to have borne employee numbers in individual metal numerals (possibly chrome). Caps were in a military style with a tensioned crown (top) and bore a large oval cap badge comprising three shields (representing the constituent authorities), surrounded by the full system title in a garter. These were very probably chrome.

Inspectors wore single-breasted jackets with hidden buttons (or more likely a hook and eye affair) and upright lapels; the latter almost certainly bore the designation Inspector in embroidered script lettering. Caps were in military in style and bore a cloth cap badge embroidered with 'B.C.&N.' above 'Inspector', all within a wreath. These badges were identical in form to those previously worn by Burnley Corporation Tramways inspectors.

One photo clearly shows a conductor sporting a municipal licence, which may be the type illustrated below, though this seems smaller than the one in the photograph. Interestingly, Burnley was actually a County Borough throughout the life of the tramway, only being relegated to ‘Borough’ status on the 1st April 1974. The licence shown below clearly predates the 1970s (the familiar bakelite/plastic PSV badges would probably have been used on the buses from the mid 1930s onwards), so it may simply be that the authority felt ‘Borough’ was sufficient, even if not wholly accurate!

Further reading
For a history of the areas road transport, see: 'Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport' by A Catlow; Wyvern Publications (1984).

Images

Motormen and conductors
Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Committee tram 57 and crew
An inspector and conductor pose with Tramcar No 57 — photo undated, but certainly taken between the 1st April 1933 and the 14th October 1934, when the last trams ran along Manchester Rd. Photographer, H Nicol. With thanks to the National Tramway Museum.


Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Tram conductor
A blow-up of the above photo showing the conductor, possibly Employee No 43. Note the oval BC&NJTC cap badge and the employee number (on the left-hand collar). With thanks to the National Tramway Museum.


Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Committee cap badge
Burnley, Colne & Nelson Joint Transport Committee cap badge — chrome. Author's Collection.


Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Committee tram 41 and crew
A motorman and conductor pose with Tramcar No 41 at Summit — photo undated, but definitely taken between the 1st April 1933 and the 14th October 1934. With thanks to Jim Halsall.


Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Committee tram 41 and crew
A blow-up of the above photo showing that both men are wearing the new oval BC&NJTC cap badge. The conductor is also wearing a municipal licence and a bow tie! With thanks to Duncan Holden.


Senior staff
Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Committee tram inspector
A blow-up of the first photo above showing the inspector. The embroidered cap badge can clearly be made out. With thanks to the National Tramway Museum.


Burnley, Colne and Nelson Joint Transport Committee inspector's cap badge
BC&NJTC inspector's cap badge — embroidered cloth. Author's Collection.



Possible tramway-era conductor licence — grey metal. Author's Collection.