The West Lancashire Light Railway is a two foot gauge passenger carrying railway located in the village of Hesketh Bank midway between Preston and the resort of Southport. The line features a number of interesting locomotives and other railway equipment brought together from industrial lines in the immediate locality, from elsewhere in Great Britain and from overseas.
The adoption of narrow gauge for public passenger carrying railways was very limited in Great Britain. A great number of narrow gauge lines were however formerly employed in connection with agriculture, construction projects, mining, and a host of industrial applications.
Their variety was huge in terms of track gauge, rolling stock and with motive power ranging from manpower to locomotive haulage. Duing the past few decades most of these lines have disappeared following the widespread use of other transport systems such as conveyors and road vehicles or with the decline of the industry which they served. West Lancashire Light Railway was established in 1967 in an endeavour to conserve some of the equipment used on these old lines and to recreate something of their atmosphere and charm.
Since most of these old lines operated in areas away from the public
gaze, visitors will find much of interest in the variety of locomotives
and rolling stock in the collection. The whole family can also enjoy a
visit, with the short train ride around a flooded clay pit behind coal
fired steam locomotives dating from 1898. Refreshments, souvenirs, guide
book etc., are availahle from the shop at Becconsall station. The Railway
is a non-profit making organisation and is operated and supported by the
West Lancashire Light Railway Association. Volunteers are always needed
to help maintain and develop the Railway as well as operating the trains.
If you would like to join the Association and lend a hand you will be made
very welcome.
