An iconic glassworks closed its doors for the final time last week.
Pilkington Glassworks has been a staple of St Helens industry since it began operating in 1826. The glass trade brought countless jobs to the town and went a great way towards boosting the area's economy throughout the 19th and 20th century. Employing primarily local workers helped fund St Helens' rapid growth- as the town's population rocketed from 7,570 in 1801, to around 84,000 in 1900.
The growth was not indefinite however, with falling profits meaning the Cowley Hill facility was forced to close in 2013, and it was announced last year that the Alexandra Works on Borough Road would close its doors at the end of 2021. The 2013 closure resulted in the loss of 140 jobs, while Alexandra Works closed its doors for the last time just last week, leaving around 90 people out of work, or with the option to transfer to a different works.
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As the iconic glassworks employed so many for so long, it is inevitable that there will be many former employees with memories and experiences to share about their time at Pilkington's. The ECHO spoke to some former workers for their experiences.
David Seward said: "I used to deliver chassis there from A.M.P Irvine Scotland. Also know a couple of friends who worked there over the years."
While another St Helens local who worked at the works for a number of years said: "I worked at Pilks for 14 years between 1965 and 1979. Served my apprenticeship as a maintenance fitter at Fibreglass (a great place to work) and worked most of my time there but also spent time at Sheet Works and Ravenhead training schools and also Lathom and Triplex.
"You only have to look at the sad state of the head office staff canteen and restaurant to see the decline of Pilks. At one time everyone knew someone who worked at Pilks. That's no longer the same. Sad, but it's now part of our history."
One person took to Facebook to share their view, they said: "Last few lads left at Pilkingtons Alexandra Works, close the doors for the last time today. That’s another era gone."
While another added: "I enjoyed my time there can't believe it has shut down."
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