Midge Hall Station

[anacortesdamp]

There were two bridges in Middleforth, both of which have been demolished. One was on the curve just after the Middleforth Fire Station and the other was at the sharper corner where the ancient foot bridge crosses the river. It was an extension of a bridge over the river, just slightly upstream. I think it was taken down at the same time as the one across the road.

Which lines did they serve?.

Will the new service (if it gets approved) come through Lostock Hall? That line used to be the way to Liverpool, I think.

BTW, Derek, my grandparents sold 168 Bent Lane in about 1952 or '53

Frank

[Alan Marsden]

Here's an interesting site ,showing the history of the station at the foot of Fishergate hill-

http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/p/pre...ndex.shtml

Note the year that it closed for passenger traffic !

Many years ago, ( 1940's) I was privelidged to frequently travel on the steam train from Preston to Southport, the journey commenced at the main railway station Butler Street Preston with stops at Penwortham Cop Lane , New Longton,Longton (Bridge) , Hoole., Hesketh bank, Hundred End,banks,,Crossens,Churchtown,Hesketh park and Southport. Unlike diesel locomotives, stream engines accelerated slowly, commencing often with wheel spin at the driven wheels, but the experience was comparatively quiet, the smell of the smoke was rather pleasant too as it drifted through an open window.
The Stationmaters kept their staion in good condition (even during wartime) with flower beds and potted flowers in abundance , certainly the station at Hoole (Bridge) was immaculate ( a relative of mine a Mr Hunt had been the station master there) prior to wartime.
The whole experience of the journey was splendid , with the countryside flashing by at speed .

Today when drive from Preston along the A59 to Southport I reflect on those times especially when observing the volume of traffic on the A59. One cannot but realise the disaster created by the short term thinking of Dr.Beeching and his closing that line ( and even worse the vandalism he introduced by quickly ensuring that build took place on the railbeds in order to ensure that future generations could not reverse his disastrous decision to closure ).

The vehicular traffic today must cost far more in terms of capital,personal time ., fuel,and pollution than a railway line ! Typical British managment short term thinking , any idiot can close down a loss making venture especially one where the cost basis is questionable , an astute manager finds a way to reverse the situation .

The decision to close many railway lines was quite likely correct in many cases, but certainly not so for the Preston/Southport line , and likely others !

[Alan Marsden]

The railtrack through Midge Hall was changed from a dual line to a single track in approx 1968, . The landlord at the 'Midge' at that time (an ex policeman) used to board a train with his friend at that station one day virtially every week in the summertime, and they took a train to Ormskirk and Liverpool then the IOMSPC ( I.O.M. steampacket co) boat from liverpool to Douglas , for the day out ! The beer served at the Midge at that time( lion) was the best around Leyland ,in fact the best Lion I've tasted, the landlord said that was due to the fact that his barrels were well below ground level and that he also cleaned the system and delivery lines daily !
At that time the Midge was a 'proper pub' , many an enjoyable evening could be spent in the long bar room , discussions taking place and often the piano playing (an excellent piano too) and singing taking place !

[Wilko]

Frank,
The line through Midge Hall is still open - it's just the station that's closed.
The two bridges at Middleforth both served the West Lancs. That nearer to Preston served the original Fishergate Hill station,whilst the other one linked up with the 1900 curve to Preston Station.
There is an excellent book by Gordon Biddle 'The Railways around Preston' (ISBN 1 87011-05-3) which should be available on Amazon.
DW

[Wilko]

Great website Alan
DW