Halton Memories: Are old stations in for a rebirth?

By Runcorn And Widnes Weekly News on Jul 3, 09 01:58 PM in 1900-1999

THE growing popularity of the railways - passenger numbers are up by half since privatisation - has led train companies to promote the idea of reopening some of the branch lines closed by Dr Richard Beeching 40 years ago.

For railway lovers (and there are great many of us) it is good news. Unfortunately, as far as I can see, the first 14 lines currently under consideration are mainly in the South East and South West with only Rawtenstall, Lancashire, coming from the North West.

However, a report just published identifies 20 more lines where reopening could be justified on employment grounds.

Like Brixham, Devon, Rawtenstall carries steam trains run by heritage groups.
Elsewhere, some tracks have been removed and the lines converted to footpaths or cycleways.

At one time, Widnes alone had seven railway stations with many miles of rail sidings connected to individual works.

Farnworth Station dates back to 1873 when Cheshire Lines opened its link between Liverpool and Manchester. Widnes Central opened five years later.

Trains seemed to be everywhere in Widnes. The Ditton 'Dodger' became famous and even Tanhouse Lane Station became known for rugby league cup final specials.
I can't see any of the long-lost Widnes lines ever being resurrected but perhaps we could settle for a narrow-gauge line at Spike Island, an idea suggested by railway buff and borough landscape chief Paul Wright. That would help swell the visitors to Catalyst Museum as well as Spike Island and would be a reminder of the days when chemical pioneer John Hutchinson established one of the first combined rail and dock networks on an industrial site.