Howe Bridge mines rescue station

In 1906 a committee organised by the Lancashire & Cheshire Coalowners Association investigated the organisation of rescue equipment and techniques for use in Lancashire. This led to the establishment in 1908 of a purpose-built mines rescue station at Lovers Lane, Howe Bridge, Atherton. It served to provide rescue cover for the Lancashire and Cheshire coalfield until replaced by the Boothstown premises in 1933. The rectangular plaque between the two houses once read

RESCUE STATION
LANCASHIRE AND
CHESHIRE
COLLIERIES 1907

The right hand section of the building was originally single storeyed and had a large training hall at the rear. Rescue teams from the mines were trained here using training galleries around the outside wall of the hall.