Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY

SO-called model villages have always fascinated me and some time ago I described a visit to Port Sunlight. George Embleton, from Newton-le-Willows, wrote to me and asked if I had ever visited Vulcan Village. I had not -- and what a treat I found when I did.

Here I found lots of industrial archaeology relating to the first-ever passenger railway in 1830 and details of the St Helens Canal.

Many people these days think that the St Helens Canal was the first to be built in England and not the Bridgewater.

The St Helen's was opened in 1757.

The first part of the Bridgewater was opened in 1761.

Before the railway Newton-le-Willows was a tiny village which did have some horse racing close by, from which Haydock has evolved.

Then came the opening of the Manchester to Liverpool railway in 1830, built by Robert Stephenson.

Locomotives were not reliable and Newton was half way between the two cities.

A repair area was built, along with a water and coal supply.

From repairing locomotives to their construction on site was just a short step and Newton-le-Willows quickly became industrialised.

The engineering foundry became known as Vulcan.

By 1835 rows of workers cottages had been built and these are now in splendid condition and are designated as a conservation area.

In 1907 the works was extended. It continued to operate until last summer when the last marine engine left the works.

Plans are now afoot to build a housing and industrial estate on the Vulcan site but the village is obviously safe. I visited the village pub -- called the Vulcan -- which serves excellent food and welcomes families and groups of walkers.

Meals can be booked in advance by calling 01925 222314.

From the Vulcan I walked on to the St Helens Canal at Vulcan Locks and nearby I found Bradlegh Old Hall. This is privately owned but has a gatehouse and a moat dating to the 15th century.

These can be seen without disturbing the residents especially in winter when the leaves are off the trees. I also had a good long look at George Stephenson's viaduct, which he built in 1830 and is still in use. They built things "reet" in those days.

This was the first bridge in the world to carry a commercial railway over a commercial watercourse.

Local folk call this bridge the Nine Arches for obvious reasons and Stephenson built it under-budget at a cost of £45,000.

At the end of my walk I returned to the Vulcan pub and talked to locals, who were obviously sad that the works had closed.

They are a close-knit lot here and many are bringing in photographs of the works.

These are being framed and hung on the walls.

It is a long time since I enjoyed such a stroll of contrasts.

It won't be long before I return to Vulcan and build up an appetite for some wholesome pub grub.

Getting there:

Follow the M6 and turn off at the Haydock Racecourse Junction (No 23). Follow the A49 towards Newton-le-Willows. Turn off on the A572 into Newton. Look for a right turn signed Vulcan Industrial Estate. There is plenty of parking close to the Vulcan pub.