R Rudge and Son Ltd, Littleborough

The Rochdale Observer carries an advert notifying that this company based on Wardle Street, off Whitelees Road was applying for a renewal of its ‘Good Vehicle Operator’s Licence’ which indicates the company had at least been going since the late 1970s or 1980. It sought to have 9 vehicles and 18 trailers. The application brought numerous objections which resulted in conditions which the company was displeased with. In October 1986 the company applied to alter the licence to increase the fleet to 14 goods vehicles and 20 trailers.

Despite the objections and conditions attached to the Operator’s Licence R Rudge were advertising for HGV Class 1 drivers at the Wardle St base in 1995 and 1999.

R Rudge and Sons Ltd later moved their base to Dean Head following the closure of Blagden Chemicals in 2000 which had been located in Red Lees Chemical Works. Rudge’s Dean Head yard is pictured their in 2009 and although the company was reported to have been wound up Rudge Wagons were still photographed on the site in 2021 albeit probably a legally different company. In 2021 the trailers logo was upright rather than in italics (slanted) as pictured below right.

PICTURES RIGHT

ERF Artic from 1985 Newspaper Advert

Foden Artic Tractor courtesy of Craig Berriff

Scania Artic courtesy of Keith Collins

View of Dean Head Yard in 2009 showing the

Dogholes to Steanor Bottom Turnpike across top of picture;

1824 Todmorden Turnpike in front of yard

And Rochdale Canal at bottom right of the picture