General: Blackrod is a small village with a population of approximately 5,000+. Once a coal mining centre and vital weaving economy, this has transformed throughout the years to allow Blackrod to become a commuting village for Chorley & Bolton. Blackrod has a stunning view of the surrounding countryside and a mixture of stone cottages, farm land and increasingly more new housing developments.

Location: Blackrod is situated to the West of the Pennine Moors within a hilly terrain and is close to the River Douglas. The A6 Manchester to Preston road bypasses Blackrod town centre. Blackrod is situated to the West of the M61 with Junction 6 the nearest junction. It boasts is own railway station which is on the Manchester to Preston line. The following bus services stop in Blackrod:

• No 575 Arriva - Bolton to Wigan
• No 575 576 MayTree - Bolton to Wigan

Healthcare: Blackrod has its own Health Centre based on Church Street – 01204 462828. Pharmacies available in Blackrod, but dentists and opticians are based in the neighbouring town of Horwich.

Education: Blackrod Anglican Methodist Church School, Blackrod Primary School, Rivington & Blackrod High School.

Local facilities: The neighbouring areas of Horwich & Middlebrook provide the majority of Blackrod’s major facilities, however Blackrod does have its own library, beauty salon, chip shop, butchers, convenience shops and restaurants. The closest supermarkets are in Horwich, being Asda and Tesco at Middlebrook.

Leisure: Nearby Horwich Leisure Centre, Victoria Road consists of a gym, swimming pool, sports hall and numerous other facilities. Douglas Valley Gold Club is also on Blackrod’s door step.

Local authority: Bolton Council.