If we complain about the state of the roads, the frustrations when using buses or trains, then this is little different from times long gone when roads were in an even worse condition, travel dangerous and slow. With the introduction of the canals heavy and bulky goods could be easily carried and at a much lower cost butit somewhat slowly. Capacity was also a feature of the the railways but they were faster, more widespread, efficient but expensive. Even millowners would travel 3rd class, initially in open carriages to save the more expensive comfort of 1st or 2nd class. The First World War helped transform motorised road transport, especially freight, which, together with improved trunk roads, is so dominant today. Littleborough has benefitted from all of these improvements but suffers from inadequate roads towards Rochdale and especially the M62 resulting in congestion made worse by extensive new housing, thank goodness for the Turnpike and other Toll Roads which we so rely on today. Improved rail service frequencies would help if only they were provided.

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