Cement firm still on track after passenger service ended

This photo was taken in February 1967 to show a diesel heading for the cement works at Houghton Regis.

The Associated Portland Cement company was one of a number of firms, all now closed, which had special sidings where train waggons could be loaded.

The others included Bagshawe’s and Waterlow’s. Rail traffic carrying cement continued through Dunstable until 1988.

The huge Waterlow’s factory site is now a housing estate and the old Bagshawe area is once again being transformed, with work progressing on a mini-village of old people’s apartments, to be called Priory Heights.

The chimneys of the cement works were demolished many years ago, and the water-filled chalk quarry off Houghton Road has now been landscaped. An attractive housing estate is being built overlooking the lagoon.

> Yesteryear is compiled by John Buckledee, chairman of Dunstable and District Local History Society.