Tuesday 18 August 2015

Chapel-en-le-Frith's Bus Station


The Chapel-en-le-Frith factory of Ferodo opened in 1902,  The Company took its name from the founder Herbert Frood who in 1897 had used his garden shed in Combs to experiment in brake materials. The first factory opened in Gorton in 1901 but trade quickly expanded and the Sovereign and Howden Mills in Chapel were rented. As Ferodo grew it employed large numbers of people, many of whom travelled from neighbouring towns and villages. Most of these workers travelled by bus. In 1931 special works services were provided by the North Western bus company as the regular bus services could no longer cope with demand. A works bus station was built in 1937. It  was only in use for 90 minutes each day, at the start and end of each working shift. In 1954, a new, larger bus station was built, capable of handling 24 buses at a time.  In the morning peak,  28 vehicles were needed with services from as far afield as Stockport, Buxton, Hayfield and many other localities.  There were 50 departures each day with the peak period being at 5.30 pm when 25 buses left within a 10 minute period carrying  1100 passengers. 

The photos are from the archives of “Commercial Motor”



 
A North Western Bristol passes the Old Hall Inn at Whitehough en route for Horwich End.

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