Bickershaw nr. Leigh.

[Beemer]

As you enter and leave Bickershaw you see this sign depicting an old steam loco at a signal box. As I am not a loco enthusiast I was wondering what the relevance of the sign is to Bickershaw.



Regards Beemer.

[Deleted]

Not sure of this one Brian but I would have at a guess it's something to do the towns relationship with the railways and coal mining.

[elevation76]

Hi,Brian,
A few months ago I had a book on loan from the local library called "A Lancashire Triangle" by Dennis Sweeny.It was a detailed account of the railway operations in the South Lancashire coal fields,Bickershaw, being one of the collieries.It was a very interesting book focussing on the more industrial aspect of railways in the Leigh area.
Hope this helps.

[Beemer]

Thanks for that. I have just done a bit of digging around on Google and found these two photos thanks to "Disused Stations"

Bickershaw old Railway Station.


...and as it is now. I was parked where that car is on the left and the sign I photographed would have been just to the right of it.

[Deleted]

Very interesting. It looks a thought the area was in decline well before the black and white photo was taken, that's if the painter hasn't used artistic license of-course. Nice bit of local history there Brian.

[ian531]

I used to pass this pub every morning when I worked at the JJB head office.
I think the train passing through is the only thing that ever happened in Bickershaw hence the sign ;D ;D

On a serious note I will ask my Dad what the significance is, he lived close to here when he was young.

Ian

[Beemer]

On looking at the old b&w photo it would appear that the signal box in the centre of the photo is the one used in the street sign as the loco crosses Bickershaw Lane.