I can tell by Google Maps this did exist but there is scant information about it.
What were the stations on the line?
Where did services originate? (St Helens Central/Peasley Cross etc..)
What worked it?
When was it built?
When was it demolished?
Any timetables for how often it was used?
Any remnants still in existence?
PS: Not related to Eccleston Park which is nearby.
Branch was always freight only. Latterly only served Triplex Glass factory. Until early 1900s, branch used to extend beyond Eccleston to Gillars Green Colliery (former colliery waste tip still exists in Burrows Lane; part of path adjacent to Eccleston Mere is on former trackbed.
Worked by tank locos from Sutton Oak shed. Jinty 3F 0-6-0T in final years, but previously by Aspinall ex-L&YR Class 2F 0-6-0ST.
Closed in 1960s Trackbed at Eccleston end largely built over in the last few years, but remains of bridge still exist in Dunriding Lane (near site of former Saints RLFC ground)
There was a brake van railtour down the line in the 1960s - probably the only time passengers (including me) were carried over the line.
Have more info., but will need to search in some books.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
More info., from "Industrial Railways of St. Helens, Widnes & Warrington, Part 1" by Townley & Peden.
Line opened from site of 1st St. Helens station (near Ravenhead Jn) to Ravenhead Colliery connection 1833. Extended to Ravenhead Plate Glass Works circa 1851.
Line from Eccleston Jn (Ravenhead / Marsh's Crossing) to Eccleston (Holme Farm Lane - now called Holme Road) opened in 1859.
Extended to Gillars Green Colliery 1859, (over private land, so not needing an Act of Parliament) but thought to have seen little use until new Gillars Green Colliery opened in 1873. Colliery closed circa 1910.
At various times, there were further short branches off the Eccleston branch, serving St. Helens Corporation Electricity Works, and various factories in the Eccleston Street / Boundary Road area.
Eccleston Branch closed in October 1967.
And (for completion),the residual part of line from Marsh's Crossing to Ravenhead Glass Works was reduced to siding status by 1979, with last traffic at unknown date between 1984 and 1988, but probably saw little use after the glass works closed in the early 1970s.
