Built in 1965, Forton Services on the M6 (betwixt J32/33) is probably the most recognisable services in the UK. Unfortunately, its hexagonal Pennine Tower Restaurant and sundeck were closed to the public in 1989 (file under 'Nothing in this country works anymore') but apparently the views to be had over Morecambe Bay were unrivalled.
I may have taken a few liberties with the above photo I took of it as I made my way to Scotland last year, but the image below is how I always see it in my mind's eye (file under 'Everything was better in the 70s); owing, as it does, more to Commander Shore and Marineville than its current iteration as a Moto pie and a piss stop just outside Lancaster.
The different between the two pictures is, I presume, that the first one was taken late on a Sunday evening, while the second one was taken in the middle of Monday morning rush hour. (File under 'Everything was better in the 70s.)
ReplyDeleteLooking at the 1972 snap in a little more detail and you see quite clearly a well kept 'lawn' between the two carriageways (and no crash barrier). Just out of shot, probably, is the old boy with his rotary mower keeping the lines nice and even in the style of Wembley Stadium!
DeleteGreat pics John, one of my favourite buildings. Often stop off there when heading north just to admire it close up. Sometimes I look at the door that leads into the tower hoping it might be open. Amazing that the central reservation in 1972 had no barriers.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Adam. The Wiki blurb, if it's to be believed, says that Moto sometimes use the tower for staff training.
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