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
(c) Stan Withers |