The East Lancashire Railway Company built their own line between Clifton Junction(Manchester) and Accrington. Helmshore station was on the section between Stubbins Junction(for Bacup) and Accrington, opening in 1848. It became the only intermediate station left open on the line, which was closed by British Railways on 2 December 1966.
When visited in May, 1968, there was an old man there who had the keys to the place, allowing us to access the signal box and booking hall. he said that there was a preservation society trying to re-open part of the line. This did not come to fruition, the track was lifted and it is now a housing estate.
2 weeks before closure
How to turn the gas light on
The large wheel wound the gates open/closed
Goods yard and shed
Peeling paint
Booking Hall and a gas lamp
After tracklifting, 1975
When visited in May, 1968, there was an old man there who had the keys to the place, allowing us to access the signal box and booking hall. he said that there was a preservation society trying to re-open part of the line. This did not come to fruition, the track was lifted and it is now a housing estate.
2 weeks before closure
How to turn the gas light on
The large wheel wound the gates open/closed
Goods yard and shed
Peeling paint
Booking Hall and a gas lamp
After tracklifting, 1975