What a way to while away a dull stretch of motorway (From Warrington Guardian)

What a way to while away a dull stretch of motorway

THE M6 is 234 miles long and a substantial part of the motorway forms the backbone of Warrington.

A journey down the motorway will take you along one of Britain's oldest motorway sections, as well as one of the newest.

But while drivers are negotiating the never ending queues and navigating the 234 miles of road, just what does a passenger do to while away the time?

The answer is contained in a new book, M6 Sights Guide, a fascinating guide to the sights of the M6.

The book, out this week, features facts, history and pictures of all the landmarks a passenger in a car can see from the M6.

One of the sites to make it into the book is Warrington Parish Church.

The church on Church Street, Warrington boasts the third tallest parish church spire in England.

Also making an appearance in the book is the Safeway distribution centre and the Alcan Recycling Plant in Westy.

The infamous Thelwall Viaduct also gets a mention, although perhaps not enough of one considering its impact on the north west motorway network.

Birchwood Shopping Centre's blue chimney is also featured, while the Warrington Guardian business of the year 2003, St Rocco's Hospice shop based at Birchwood Mall also gets a mention.

But in all the 234 miles of motorway, the one sight that impressed author Mike Jackson the most is Fiddlers Ferry Power Station.

The Wirral based power station can provide enough energy for both Liverpool and Manchester at the same time.

Meanwhile, Lymm is described as: "A sweet little place, with the Bridgewater Canal cutting along a contour, forcing roads to go over or under the waterway, all of which adds to its charm."

Along with the Bridgewater Canal, Oughtrington Church and the Poplar 2000 services also feature.

Are there any other Warrington features you feel should be mentioned? And what about the M62?

Write to Jenni Carroll, The Academy, Bridge Street, Warrington, WA1 2RU, or email

jcarroll@guardiangrp.co.uk.