Lostock Hall

infobox UK place
latitude= 53.725
longitude= -2.688
official_name= Lostock Hall
population= 3,948 [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5944963&c=Lostock+Hall&d=14&e=16&g=464142&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1195303579269&enc=1 Neighbourhood Statistics - Lostock Hall (Ward)] . URL accessed 17 November 2007.] |os_grid_reference= SD546257
shire_district= South Ribble
shire_county= Lancashire
region= North West England
country= England
post_town= PRESTON
postcode_area= PR
postcode_district= PR5
dial_code= 01772
constituency_westminster= Ribble Valley Lostock Hall is a small village in Lancashire to the south of Preston and to the north of Farington. It is now bordered to its immediate south-east by the large M6/M61/M65 motorway interchange.

Lostock Hall has an identity of its own but in common with other small areas in modern times it is being taken over by new housing estates and a reduction in 'community spirit'. The former separate community of Tardy Gate is now for all intents and purposes a part of Lostock Hall - it used to be the farming community linking one part of rural Lancashire to another. Lostock Hall's main road to the east, Brownedge Road, links it to Bamber Bridge, the boundary between the two being almost indistinguishable. Similarly, to the north, Leyland Road leads to the district of Penwortham, this boundary being similarly vague - most locals could not point out the dividing line. To the South and west the village is bounded by farmland, being the eastward edge of a large tract of arable and horticultural land extending to Southport and the Irish Sea coast, but even here the boundaries are vague. The main former turnpike road to the South-west has its postal and parish boundaries with Farington Moss in totally different places.

Industries

The former industrial base of cotton mills and a moderately large railway repair depot is now largely gone, with most inhabitants commuting to work, mainly in Preston. Many aspects of the industrial heritage can still be seen, with the cotton mills being used for light industrial complexes, ensuring not only the viability of many small businesses but the longevity of some wonderful examples of industrial architecture. Tardy Gate Mill on Coote Lane is one such building - built in 1908 by the Tardy Gate Manufacturing Company it was bought out and greatly expanded by Thomas Moss & Sons in 1920 and produced Calico and Linen cloths until its demise in the late 1970's. The mill also owned the local cricket pitch and sponsored the cricket team who had a great deal of local success.

Local government

Due to boundary changes, the township is currently split between two parliamentary constituencies - Preston and South Ribble. Following the latest report from the Boundary Commission for England, Lostock Hall and Tardy Gate are moved into an extended Ribble Valley constituency.

Lostock Hall is a part of South Ribble district council, and is one part of the Farington County Council division.

Transport

Lostock Hall maintains a railway station. The East Lancashire Line on which the station stands is frequently used by railway companies as a bypass for the main West Coast Main Line when that is being closed for engineering works, as it links with the Settle-Carlisle Line. For this reason, excursions frequently travel through the station, attracting railway enthusiasts to the many ideal viewing places.

Public houses

Lostock Hall is also home to several public houses : The Railway, The Victoria, The Anchor, The Pleasant Retreat Inn and The Tardy Gate. Other places that serve alcohol are the Lostock Hall Conservative Club, St Gerrard's Catholic Club and the British Legion.

Lostock Hall's annual carnival day takes place on the first Saturday in July.

The village is also home to the [http://www.lostockhallband.co.uk Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band] .

Education

Lostock Hall Community High School and Arts College, located on Todd Lane North, is the local secondary school. The village is also home to a [http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries/librarydetails/libsearch1.asp?name=Lostock+Hall public library] .

References