Little Lever - The Manufacturing Company Arch

As important as managing and helping people with their problems is to me, I am also very proud of what I have done for our community towards improving the environment, bringing us together and celebrating our history.

Little Lever has a rich and vibrant history of industry, class divide, community and landscape that it has been my absolute pleasure to learn and share more about our magnificent past

Whilst demolishing the former Pennine Pets building, I was informed that the workmen had come across an old cast iron archway from the second company to occupy the mill which stood on the same site – Little Lever Manufacturing Company. Local businessman Nick Howcroft had spotted the find and called me.




The archway was photographed and catalogued by the Central Library, however they did not wish to retain it. I was deeply saddened at the thought that this remarkable piece of our history could be resigned to scrap.

Never being one to accept a first answer, I enlisted the help of the local community and after much time on the phone and many persuasive conversations, the demolition company agreed to donate the arch to the community of Little Lever.

And now came the next issue – this arch – dating from the early 1900’s had been buried under restorations, concrete and dust for almost 200 years; it was in a very unsightly condition and had to be restored.




I am pleased and proud to say that once again the community pulled together and my very good friend John Charlton undertook the work at no cost to us. He sandblasted, cleaned, welded, painted and I am sure more besides to make the archway into the wonderful condition it is today.



We located the arch on the first bend into Little Lever village and I had the great pleasure to formally give the arch to the community, involve the local school children in the unveiling ceremony and share some of the history with the people who joined us.





I am so proud to have been a part of this project and to share it with the village and the community so dear to my heart.

Sean

Any comments to - electseanhornby@hotmail.co.uk


Promoted by Paul Richardson 24 Ripon Close Little Lever BL3 1EQ on behalf of Sean Colin Hornby 35 Williams St Little Lever BL3 1LQ.