Tramway: Formby

With the coming of the railway in 1848, Southport soon grew to be a fashionable resort, the pier being constructed only twelve years later in 1860. This success led to the establishment of the Formby Land and Building Company in 1875, with the aim of setting up a rival resort. Albert and Alexandra Roads were driven through to the beach, their ends being joined up with a double tiered promenade of brick and concrete. The Company enjoyed only limited success and was finally wound up in 1902. All but two of the houses have since been demolished but the remains of the promenade, now mostly buried in sand can still be seen.

Ashael P Bell appears to have been appointed surveyor for the company, presumably responsible for the roads and infrastructure but was also promoting the site for housing purposes.

Reference           Manchester Guardian Saturday 23 October 1875 Page 2 (Contracts)