.In the Spring of 1884, construction of the Tramway reached its final stages. In March the project was inspected by Major-General Hutchinson on behalf of the Board of Trade. He was very satisfied by the venture. In the evening, Mr. Dick, the constructor and owner of the line, provided a dinner for the highway surveyors of the different parishes; “some eulogistic and congratulatory speeches were made, and with the addition of some singing and recitations. A very enjoyable evening was passed.”
On April 02, the Tramway was officially opened. The shops in Alford were closed in the afternoon to enable many people to sample the new form of transport to the Coast.
Alford railway station yard – Bilsby – Markby – Hannah – ‘Sutton-le-Marsh’ terminating at the Jolly Bacchus – just over 8 miles.
Resource material (‘Alford & Sutton Tramway’ by George Dow) and photogragh of the Tram provided by Bud Sheilds.
The tramway provided a very useful and safe means of transport for the communities in the area. The line was kept in first class condition with the whole line being inspected every day; stones and hard substances being removed along the way. The Tramway was popular; there were many shopping expeditions to Alford. Travel was cheap: return fares were one shilling for adults and sixpence for children. There was even a half day excursion from Alford to Sutton for ninepence return. Parcels, newspapers and passenger’s luggage were carried by all cars.
The future of the Tramway looked good with plans for extensions to Chapel St. Leonards and Skegness.. However, the construction of the Willoughby & Sutton Railway proved to be too much. With the completion of the loop: Willoughby – Sutton – Mablethorpe – Louth Railway, the Tramway declined.
In 1889 December 07, the Lincoln Gazette stated, “The Alford & Sutton Tramway have ceased to run their cars, ostensibly for the winter months, but really for an indefinite period….”