Focus on Littleborough: Friends group remain on the right track

Littleborough Train Station

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In Littleborough there are three distinctive friends groups, not those that are at opposite ends of the playground but groups that have a joint interest: Littleborough.

The first of these groups is the Friends of Littleborough Stations. The group is recognised by the Train Operators and the Local Transport Executive.

The friends of the stations group was established in August 2005 by a lady named Sophie Raj Raji, who had twins, was unable to drive and couldn't get her pram onto the station platform, and Rae Street who travelled a lot with a big suitcase which she found difficult to lug up and down the unsafe stairs. Ramps were called for to make access easier for all.

Alongside the ramp there was a problem with a shelter, a shelter that failed to keep anybody dry.

John Stanley, Chairman of the group, described the two problems as “our two good reasons to start.”

The group covers both Littleborough Station and Smithy Bridge Station.

Mr Stanley said: “Smithy Bridge station was closed 50 years ago as it was no longer required. It reopened 25 years ago by popular demand and now does as much business, if of not more than, its big brother a mile away.

“We renamed ourselves in 2008 “Friends of Littleborough Stations” when we decided to care for it too.”

The group is made up of 50 people, Mr Stanley said: “All sorts of people make up the group, workers, retired, children and youths, all people who use or love the railways, people with historical reasons for preserving the station(s).”

When asked what the group does, Mr Stanley said: “Pester the authorities for improvements; and try to improve the station ourselves by planting flowers and clearing litter.”

The group’s secretary, Stuart Carmichael added: “We encourage local schools to be involved by holding exhibitions of the children’s work in the waiting room; organise rail trips to places of interest and work with other groups to promote the station as the gateway to Littleborough.”

Mr Stanley told why the group is of interest to him: “I love the railway in general and want to see the act of travelling on a train as pleasant an experience as possible.”

Mr Carmichael added: “It is important to get the best public transport links possible to ensure Littleborough retains a vibrant commercial and cultural life.”

As with any friendship there are memories for Mr Stanley and Mr Carmichael handfuls of things stand out.

However they pin pointed the Mince Pie special journey from Littleborough to Manchester as one of the best.

The day last December saw children singing carols on the station, Santa was on the train ,as were the Littleborough Brass Band, carol singers from Littleborough Churches Together and of course Mince Pies and presents courtesy of STORM and Northern Rail.


Just like memories, the friends group also has lots of things to look forward to; they hope to see the installation of access ramps take place next year, which was the main reason for starting the group.

The friends also would like to see decent shelters on the platform so that passengers don’t have to huddle in the subway in wet and windy weather.

The group also plans to work with the Littleborough Historical and Archaeological Society to sign a lease for the station building to create a museum for Littleborough in its historic station.

When asked about their favourite thing in Littleborough the men who make the group tick admired the location and the people.

Mr Stanley said: "It’s a friendly little place that took me in and a lot of other Yorkshire renegades who now try to run things round here.

“It’s close to the hills without which we would be bored to tears.

“It is an important place in transport history, the only place where you can cross into Yorkshire by Road, Rail and Canal in almost any weather.”

Stuart says: “As another Yorkshire exile I can only echo John’s words and add that I will be more than happy to spend the rest of my days in Littleborough: it’s an excellent place to live, work, and visit.”

Don’t miss Rochdale Online’s next friends group feature which will focus on the Friends of Hare Hill Park.

To find out about more community groups in Littleborough visit:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/community/groups/littleborough