Wigan Album

Interesting picture. The lines to the right are from the Blundells Colliery. The old booking hall is still intact, as is the footbridge. Today, Pemberton Station is but a shadow of its former self: there is no footbridge; and only two vandal proof shelters remain. A sign of the times.

In the distance, the signal indicates that road to be taken will be the direct route to Wigan Wallgate; thus not taking the Pemberton Loop to Hindley North. Just under that signal, and not in the picture, is Pemberton Junction signal box.

Top info Jarvo.

Jarvo you are such a contrast at times, this info. so interesting to an ex avid steam trainspotter.

Another gem Ron.

Also I would like to add dannyboy the steps over the lines were called " the 20 steps" to the right was the yo-yo tip why do I know for all my years going to highfield sec mod that's the route a gang of us from worsley mesnes estate went over the pit rucks then over the 20 steps happy days too!

I remember the twenty steps. They were to the right of this picture, following the dirt path at the edge of the Pony Field. They spanned about six tracks that went to Blundells. It was a day out exploring the derelict site that was once a busy colliery. The traffic from Blundells joined the ex L and Y line just to the bottom right of the picture, going west. There may have been an eastern connection in the other direction, near the signal box, but I cannot remember any crossovers or points in that area. It must have been great spotting in the thirties and forties...

I have some recollection, in the early sixties, a lorry crashing through the side of a road bridge, that spanned this railway line, and in close proximity to Pemberton Railway Station. As far as I can remember, no one was seriously injured. Fortunately, no rail traffic was involved.

Hello john didn,t know you was a trainspotter? Went myself with jimmy ashurst & scozzy happy days!My first time at pem station 1965 football special to Doncaster fa cup, with big don & david Pilkington. 2-2 won replay 3-1,had the afternoon off mr gwilliams permission.will be going again sadly.hope you are well.

Albert you are correct, It would have been around 1963/64 and happened early afternoon as I was walking home from school. A tipper truck left the road and crashed through the bridge where the photographer is standing.Fortunately this happened shortly after a train had passed through to Wigan Wallgate.

the twenty steps that you talk about was the bridge where THE LITTLE BILLY would hall the coal filled tubs to the pemberton station shunt,me and my mates used to jump into the tubs as little billy went under the twenty steps