Longridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Longridge |
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 Longridge town centre |
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 Longridge
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| Population | 7,724 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SD606374 |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | PRESTON |
| Postcode district | PR3 |
| Dialling code | 01772 |
| Police | Lancashire |
| Fire | Lancashire |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Longridge is a busy market town and civil parish in Lancashire, England. It is part of the Ribble Valley area. The town is located about 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Preston. It sits at the western end of Longridge Fell, which is a long ridge above the River Ribble. In 2011, about 7,724 people lived in Longridge.
Contents
History of Longridge
Longridge first grew around St. Lawrence's Church. This area was between the old areas of Dilworth and Alston. Most of the town's growth happened after the year 1800.
After 1800, Longridge expanded much faster. New buildings appeared, including a mill north of Kestor Lane. The town became known for its quarries, which produced stone.
The Railway and Town Growth
The demand for Longridge stone led to a big change. The Preston and Longridge Railway opened in 1840. This railway helped carry stone to places like Liverpool Docks.
The railway's arrival brought more growth to Longridge. Several cotton mills opened, and the town got much bigger. These mills and quarries have since closed. However, stone from Longridge was used to build the M55 motorway in the 1970s.
One of the old quarries was even used for car racing. It was called Longridge circuit and operated from 1973 to 1978.
Longridge Railway Station Today
The Longridge railway station stopped carrying passengers in 1930. The railway tracks were removed in 1967. The station buildings were then used as offices for the local council.
In 2010, the Longridge Town Council started a project. They wanted to fix up the old station buildings. They got help from the Lottery Heritage Fund. Today, the station is managed by a local company. It has a heritage centre, a cafe, and business spaces.
How Longridge is Governed
Longridge has three levels of local government. These groups help manage the town and surrounding areas.
- Longridge Town Council: This is the local council for the town itself.
- Ribble Valley Borough Council: This council covers the wider Ribble Valley area. Its main office is in Clitheroe.
- Lancashire County Council: This is the largest council. It covers all of Lancashire and is based in Preston.
The Longridge Town Council has its offices in the old railway station buildings on Berry Lane.
Past Local Government
Longridge was historically part of the ancient parish of Ribchester. It included two smaller areas called townships: Alston and Dilworth.
In 1861, a new church area for Longridge was created. The existing St Lawrence church became the main church. In 1883, this same area became a local government district. It was run by a local board.
These local districts became "urban districts" in 1894. The Longridge Urban District Council bought a large house in 1947. This house, called The Limes, became their main office.
In 1974, the urban district was removed. Longridge became part of the new Ribble Valley district. A new local council, called Longridge Town Council, was then formed.
Community Life in Longridge
Longridge has many places for people to enjoy. There are eleven pubs and several restaurants. The town also has a public library.
Schools and Youth Groups
Longridge is home to several primary and high schools. Young people can also join groups like the Air Training Corps squadron. There is also an Army Cadet Force detachment.
Alston Hall is also in the Longridge parish. It is a college where adults can go to learn new things.
Sports and Churches
The local football team is Longridge Town F.C.. They have two senior teams and play at their ground off Inglewhite Road.
The town has two main Anglican churches. St. Lawrence's Church is on Lower Lane. St. Paul's Church is on Church Street.
Sport in Longridge
If you like golf, you can visit Longridge Golf Club. It is located on Forty Acre Lane on Longridge Fell.
Media and News
People in Longridge can get their local news and TV from BBC North West and ITV Granada. TV signals come from the Winter Hill TV transmitter.
Local radio stations include BBC Radio Lancashire and Heart North West. There are also Smooth North West, Capital Manchester and Lancashire, and Greatest Hits Radio Lancashire. A local community station is Central Radio North West.
The local newspaper that covers the town is The Lancashire Telegraph.
Notable People from Longridge
Several well-known people have connections to Longridge:
- John Farnworth: A freestyle footballer.
- Alan Kelly: A footballer who played for the Irish national team and Preston North End.
- Andrew Miller: A cricketer.
- Christina Chong: An actress who lived in Longridge and trained at a local dance school.
- Ernest Tomlinson: A composer who lived near Longridge until he passed away in 2015. He kept his large collection of music in his barn.
See also
In Spanish: Longridge para niños
