Southfield is a ward with a rich history. In this section I want to provide a little bit more information about the ward I have lived in all my life and where I am happy to call home.

Introduction:

Southfield is a residential and industrial area located on the south-eastern fringe of Nelson. The area was heavily developed around the textile industry in the 19th century. Despite this, the ward is still part urban and part rural. Southfield Ward is primarily centred around the Barkerhouse Road, Netherfield Road and Southfield Street areas. The ward obtained its name from being built in the “South Field.” For many decades, the cotton industry provided the primary employment for citizens of Southfield. Famous mills such as James Nelsons and Valley Mills were located along Southfield Steet, which is the ward’s traditional heart.

Housing:

Much of Southfield’s housing stock is made up of traditional stone-built terraced houses, the lasting legacy of our ward’s social and industrial heritage. During the 1930’s further development took place, with the construction of new semi-detatched properties in the Barkerhouse Road, Manor Street and Hendon Road areas. During the 1950’s a large number of houses were built in the Marsden Hall Road area for the local authority housing department, many of these were purchased by their former tenants during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Southfield witnessed more residential development in the 1970’s with the addition of the townhouse style properties in Manor Street. During the same era, new housing was built in Bracewell Street and Netherfield Road. During the 1990’s, we saw the building of the Southfield Square development and the redevelopment of the former garage site in Roberts Street into new housing. The latest phases in the development of housing in Southfield have been the addition of the Trent Road, Oakridge Point, Priory Chase and Clough Head Fold developments.

Industry:

Southfield owes much of its history to the development of the cotton industry, although following the demise of that, new businesses were established.  Following boundary changes, we now only have one manufacturing plant in the ward, Dawes and Co at Manor Mill in Hallam Road.  Large manufacturing companies such as Farmhouse Biscuits and Sovereign Windows are located close by, as are engineering companies such as Alan Middleton Engineering, S. G. Castings and North Valley Metal Company.  Southfield itself is home to Lonsdale Car Body and Bike Repairs, one of the area’s leading vehicle body repair centres 

Our Environment:

Southfield is, by virtue of its location, partly urban and partly rural. The area is bordered by both Marsden and Walverden Parks, and the Walverden Reservoir fishery and nature reserve is only a short walk away from the centre of the ward. Following the urban renewal programme in the early 1990’s we also have open green spaces along Southfield Street. For anyone who appreciates country walks, Southfield has much to offer, as we boast considerable moorland on our doorstep.

Living in Southfield:

The heart of Southfield is located within easy walking distance of Nelson Town Centre and as such is near the shopping centre and local amenities. Nelson’s bus and railway stations are easily reached by car and on foot. The Southfield area is served well by local shops. Schools are located within easy distance of most homes. Primary School education is provided at Walverden and St John’s (my old school!). Southfield’s places of worship include Woodlands Road Baptist Church, St John’s Church Centre, and Muhammadi Masjid Mosque.

Casting Your Vote in Southfield:

Southfield has two polling stations, the first at Woodlands Road Baptist Church serves the SA polling district which includes Netherfield Gardens, Newfield Drive and the area to the left of Barkerhouse Road, that compring of the immediate area around the church up as far as Hendon Road.  The second is at our newly revitalised and refurbished community centre at Williams Hall on Barkerhouse Road, this serves the entire SB polling district, incorporating the Bracewell Street, Southfield Street, Oakridge Point, Hallam Crescent, Marsden Hall Road and the rural parts of the ward.

Population:

In the electoral review of 2002 – Lancashire County Council list Southfield as having a population of 3,898.