Longton, Lancashire

Infobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Longton
latitude= 53.729
longitude= -2.797
civil_parish=
population =
shire_district= South Ribble
shire_county= Lancashire
region = North West England
constituency_westminster= South Ribble
post_town= PRESTON
postcode_district= PR4
postcode_area= PR
dial_code= 01772
os_grid_reference= SD475262

Longton is a small rural community in the west of the borough of South Ribble, Lancashire about 5 km south west of Preston. Longton is a village of ancient origin. The Parish Church, St. Andrew's was completed in 1887, but there is record of a chapel on the same site as long ago as 1150. A document refers to "Earward Priest of Longton" of that date.

Longton Brickcroft is a former brickworks which has been transformed into a nature reserve and public open space. It was declared a Local Nature Reserve by South Ribble Borough Council in 1998. [cite web | url=http://www.english-nature.gov.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=749 | title=Special Sites: Local Nature Reserves: Longton Brickcroft | publisher=Natural England | accessdate=2008-07-18 ] The environment has been made extremely attractive, dominated by water which has filled the former clay pits. One of the water areas is available for fishing. The areas surrounding the water have been allowed to develop naturally with trees, shrubbery and wild plants.

The Brickcroft will be of particular interest to birdwatchers and botanists with seating and footpaths making it accessible for most visitors.

A purpose built visitor centre contains informative displays on the site's history, local wildlife and the environment. Facilities include toilets with disabled and baby changing provision, car parking and a picnic area.

Longton Marshes are a large area of marshland to the west of Longton lying at the confluence of the Rivers Douglas and Ribble which is now part of the Ribble Link. It is the natural home for a large variety of visiting and indigenous wildfowl. The 70 mile Ribble Way footpath starts at the Dolphin Inn on the edge of the marsh and follows its edge before joining the Ribble.

Longton Bridge railway station on the West Lancashire Railway closed when the line closed in 1964.

A secret former Cold War nuclear bunker can be found to the north-west of the village on Back Lane. Its position is concealed as it is located on a private field, and as such it is relatively unknown among villagers.fact|date=July 2008

References

External links

* [http://www.longtononline.co.uk Longton Online Website]
* [http://www.longtonssc.co.uk Longton VM Sports & Social Club Website]