tarboat's photos with the keyword: rescue

The Howe Bridge Mines Rescue Station was replaced in November 1933 by the state of the art Boothstown Mines Rescue Station to the design of architects Bradshaw, Gass, & Hope of Bolton. In addition to this building, a street of six semi-detached houses for the men was built alongside, with a further pair of semi-detached houses for the two instructors (seen here on the right). A detached house for the Superintendent was built just off to the right. The building was listed grade II in 1994 when due for closure due to the run down of the local coal mining industry. It is currently standing empty.

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.