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 These
should perhaps be referred to as the new platforms 1 and 2...
In 1903, improvements were
made, which included the addition of 2 new platforms on the western side
of the station. The new platforms were numbered 1 & 2, resulting in
the other platforms being numbered two higher than previously. Hence, the
platforms which were 1 & 2 became 3 & 4, the old 3 & 4 became
5 & 6...and so on. The
East Lancs platforms continuing the numerical sequence from 10 up.
This remained the case
until the station was rationalised in the late 60s, at which point the
"new" platforms were closed to passengers and the numbering
scheme reverted.
The new platforms were used
mainly for trains between Manchester and the Fylde, which was at its peak.
Even with the new capacity, Preston was sorely stretched at the busiest
periods such as the "wakes" weeks as workers from many
industrial towns flocked to the cost.
Stanier
class 5 4-6-0 No.44713 backs onto a train in platform 1, having passed
beneath Fishergate. 22-9-67
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 For
many years after closure to the public, the platforms were used to handle the large
numbers of parcels arriving in the town by rail. In the 1990s, the
platform was used by Rail Express Systems (which became part of EWS), but
now lie unused.
The old platform 1 is nearest the camera in this aerial
photo.
Brush Type 4 47543 to
the south of the old Platform 1. At this time, the platform would
have been used for parcels.
Photo by Neil Dimmer (1984)
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 Taken
from almost exactly the same spot and angle as the photo above, this shot shows the
changes that have taken place in a few short years. Here, the old Goods Shed
still stands, yet to be demolished to make way for a modern Royal Mail distribution
warehouse.
Photo : Frank Boyle -
late 1970s
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 Today,
the line which ran through platform 1, is broken, providing direct access
to the station buildings from Christian Road. The two sidings which were
once the through-line are now used to house semi derelict coaches to the
north and stabled locomotives and multiple units to the south.
Class
47847 sits in one of the truncated lines behind the South side of the old
Platform 1 19-09-04
(ASB)
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 Although
the old platform 1 & 2 are no longer used for passengers or mail
trains, the buildings are still in use as offices.
40092 stands with a
parcels train at the former platform 2 in the late 70s
Photo by Frank Boyle.
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 Virgin
"Thunderbird" locomotive 57311 sits in the southern ttruncated
section of the old Platform 1.
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