INDUSTRIAL RAILWAYS in the LITTLEBOROUGH AREA

There were a number of ‘Narrow Gauge’ or ‘Light Railways’ in the Littleborough Area or which few traces can be found unless looked for. They were also referred to as Tramways, not to be confused  with street trams and tramways.

Brief details are provided below or via links

Blackstone Edge Reservoir Improvement Works Tramway

Aqueduct Works in the Longden End Clough

Tetlow’s Tramway

Cleggswood Tramway

Starring Brickworks & Coal Mine and Tramway

Blackstone Edge Reservoir Improvement Works Tramway

In 1929 the Rochdale and Oldham Water Works completed the rebuilding and improvements to the ex Rochdale Canal company reservoirs on Blackstone Edge. The work included improvements to the reservoirs as well as much improved drainage channels feeding water from across large parts of the moors into the reservoirs. The works relied on an extensive networks of narrow gauge railways which linked quarries and cement plants to work sites as shown on the enclosed plan right. Trains mainly consisted of tipping wagons  but there were also 18 foot long bogie wagons which were hauled by steam and diesel locomotives. A couple of pictures are included below:

Aqueduct Works in the Longden End Clough

Oldham Corporation, which took over Blackstone Edge Reservoir provided an aqueduct (or large pipe) to link it to Pythorn Reservoirs via a Filtration Plant in Longden End Clough. After filtration, the water was pumped through aqueduct and tunnel into the Pythorn Valley. During the works an overhead cable way and narrow gauge tramway were used. Some of the rails remain in situ today but heavily rusted.