A Glimpse at the Past: The Runcorn Transporter Bridge

A Timeless Beauty

This captivating image transports us back in time, offering a glimpse into the industrial landscape of the past. The imposing structure at the heart of the scene is the iconic Runcorn Transporter Bridge, a marvel of engineering that once connected the English towns of Runcorn and Widnes across the River Mersey.

A Bridge Across Time

Built between 1901 and 1905, the bridge was a testament to the ingenuity of its designers. Its unique transporter mechanism, suspended from cables and moving along a track, allowed vehicles and pedestrians to cross the river without disrupting the flow of water traffic. For many years, it was a vital link between the two towns, serving as a lifeline for commuters and businesses alike. The bridge closed on the 22nd July 1961, the day after it was replaced by the Runcorn-Widnes high level bridge, now the Silver Jubilee Bridge, the transporter being demolished shortly afterwards.

A Changing Landscape

The image also provides a glimpse into the industrial era. The factories and smokestacks lining the riverbank are a stark reminder of the region's economic activity at the time. The bustling port, with its ships and barges, further emphasizes the importance of the river as a transportation hub.

A Modern-Day Landmark

The approachers to the transporter bridge on both sides of the River Mersey still remain today, on the Widnes side of the river the former power house still stands now a Grade II listed Building.

A Timeless Legacy

This evocative image serves as a reminder of the bridge's enduring appeal. It is not just a piece of infrastructure but a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of the region's rich industrial heritage. As we look back at this historic landmark, we can appreciate the role it played in shaping the lives of countless people and the lasting impact it continues to have on the community.

The artwork below is based on a postcard in my collection and is thought to date from the early days of the bridge. It can be bought on a number of products from my Colins_picture_this Zazzle store, click the image and a link should open in another window.

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A set of British Postcards, Blackpool, Chorley and Compstall.

 I have recently been going through some of my postcard collection with the intention of selling a few off, and whilst in the process of sorting and listing I thought it might be of interest to feature some of the postcards on here. Todays selection is 2 from Lancashire and 1 from Cheshire, all counties in the north of England.

Blackpool.

The card although unwritten and undated was probably from the 1950's and was published by Sandman Brothers of Blackpool. The images features are of Blackpool Tower, a gondola, Starlight Parade and Gynn Gardens.

Chorley.

The Chorley Postcard was posted in 1986 and is a typical example of a 1980's quite boring postcard. The card features images of St Marys Church and Chorley Town Hall.

Compstall.

Compstall is a suburb of Stockport in Cheshire and although it has been written on, it appears to have never been posted. The images are names as the Watermeetings, and the Aquaduct and Viaduct.

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Reddish South: A Glimpse into One of Britain's Quietest Railway Stations

Nestled in the community of Reddish, Stockport, lies Reddish South Railway Station, a stop often found among the UK's least used. With just two scheduled stops per week, both on a Saturday morning in each direction, this unassuming station holds a fascinating history of rise, decline, and a community's fight for its future.

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From Bustling Hub to Quiet Corner

Reddish South opened its doors in October 1845, when the Manchester & Birmingham Railway completed the line between Stockport and Guide Bridge. Barely a year later, it became part of the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) following a significant merger.

In its early years, Reddish South was a bustling hub, boasting two island platforms, a signal box, an engine shed, and a large goods yard. However, its fortunes began to shift in May 1899 when train routes were redirected, significantly reducing passing rail traffic.

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Surviving the Axe, But Not the Neglect

The decline continued, and by the 1960s, British Rail underwent massive downsizing as part of the infamous Beeching cuts. Despite many stations and lines facing closure, Reddish South, along with the Stockport-Stalybridge line, remarkably survived. Yet, survival didn't equate to investment. The station suffered from neglect: the line was reduced to single track, one of the island platforms was filled in, station buildings and the engine shed were demolished, and eventually, the sidings and surrounding land were sold off for redevelopment.

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A Request Stop and a Community's Campaign

By the 1980s, Reddish South had become a mere request stop. This was further reduced to a "parliamentary service" – a solitary train once a week, at 9:22 am on a Friday, travelling from Stockport to Stalybridge.

In 2007, proposals emerged to close Reddish South and Denton station to its north, while keeping the line open. This sparked a local campaign for more services and much-needed investment. A dedicated local group has since worked to brighten up the station, adding a vibrant mural, a flower bed, and a welcoming picket fence.

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The Present Day: Potential Waiting to Be Tapped

Today, Reddish South continues to grapple with a lack of investment and facilities, offering only those two Saturday morning stops. The nearby landscape, however, hints at its potential. Numerous residential buildings border the station, and a large Morrisons store sits just behind the mural – all representing potential passengers.

In 2019/20, a mere 158 passengers used the station, averaging just three per week. This stands in stark contrast to Reddish North Railway Station, located a mere mile away, which served a staggering 242,000 passengers in the same period – over 1,531 times the usage of Reddish South.

The future of Reddish South remains a testament to the dedication of its community, hoping to transform this quiet stop into a thriving part of the local transport network once more.

(Pictures taken on 15th December 2020 using a Nikon d3300 SLR.)

The stations only entrance, the infilled section to the right was once trackbed making the station multi platform, it is now served by 1.

Despite low usage, a lack of investment, and 1 train a week stopping the stations limited facilities are looked after by Friends of Reddish South.

To the stations northern end, past a limited size fence is the disused section of the platform. The construction site to the right used to be the stations goods yard.

The fence represents the end of the used part of the station.

The used part of the station, showing the lack of facilities and shelters.

Freightliner 66610 passing through the station, the line is mainly used by freight trains.

The station viewed from the bridge, the former goods yard having houses constructed on it.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.