READING the Citizen (February 6) about the proposal to build on the site of the Battle of Preston where Cromwell assembled his troops, prompted me to write about another site where the name of Cromwell was also famous.

Between the 'two bridges' on Watkin Lane, Lostock Hall, stands the now derelict site of the once Lostock Hall Locomotive Power Dept. Not the scene of a bloody battle, now just a bloody eyesore!

On August 11, 1968 BR Standard Pacific 'Oliver Cromwell' eased off shed to run the very last steam hauled train under British Rail.

Will this site also be built on? Can the authorities not think of something suitable to mark this occasion.

Mr W. Lea

3 Woodside, Farington

Leyland PR5 2GT

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.