A controversial piece of public art, currently undergoing an £81,000 refurbishment, has become an unlikely talking point in a local by-election. The ‘Ghost Engine’ feature, located at one of the entrances to the Middlebrook complex in Horwich, has been described as a ‘rusty toast rack’ and ‘so corroded even scrap merchants won’t touch it’.
The Ghost Engine’s History
When it was first installed on a roundabout near the Tesco Extra store, the gleaming white structure was intended to symbolise the town’s proud railway locomotive building heritage. The sculpture depicts a train engine emerging from the ground and pointing upwards. However, the steel was not galvanised, and over the years, the paint and metal have deteriorated, leaving it in a sorry state.
Council Debate and Funding
The matter was first raised at Bolton’s full council in 2024 by Horwich and Blackrod First (HBFI) councillor David Grant. He argued that the sculpture’s condition ‘shows a distinct lack of appreciation to a town’s history, culture, and image’. He added: “No care and attention has been given to the ‘Ghost Train’ that sits at the entrance to the largest retail space in the country. It should be a historical reminder of the town of Horwich’s proud contribution to the railways but is instead a rusted, hole ridden bit of scrap metal.”
Earlier this year, a Liberal Democrat amendment to the council’s 2026/27 budget allocated £81,000 for ‘refurbishing and repainting’. The funding came from £1.35 million of one-off funds returned to Bolton council from the Greater Manchester Waste Authority. The work is currently ongoing, with the structure enveloped by a huge white covering.
By-Election Controversy
In the past week, the refurbishment has sparked a spat between Reform UK and Horwich & Blackrod First, who are contesting a by-election in the nearby Horwich North ward on July 2. Bolton’s Reform UK leader Trevor Jones criticised the spending, saying: “The Horwich and Blackrod First Party are paying over £81,000 to have this so called locomotive monstrosity refurbished. This refurbishment will only last around five years then need to be done again. This monument is an insult to the historic train building that made Horwich famous around the world. Sending it off to the scrap yard would have been the best option.”
Coun Grant responded, calling it ‘another random claim’ from Coun Jones. He clarified: “In relation to the Loco works monstrosity or the ‘ghost engine’ – it wasn’t HBFI. It was actually a Lib/Dem amendment to the Labour administrations’ budget. We supported it as it’s money coming into Horwich, that’s good but it’s nothing that we actually actioned.”
Support for the Refurbishment
When the decision was made, cabinet member Nadeem Ayub said: “The Horwich ghost train sculpture is a much loved local landmark. It has long needed refurbishment and we’ve tried to look for solutions. Allocating £81,000 will ensure that this unique piece of our cultural heritage is preserved and well restored for future generations.”
By-Election Candidates
The full list of candidates standing in Horwich North on July 2 is:
- Graham Dawson (LAB)
- Peter Hopkinson (IND)
- Raymond Ndokwo (CON)
- Wendy Parkinson (REFORM)
- Nicola Salmon (GREEN)
- John Scoble (HORWICH & BLACKROD FIRST)
- Scott Turner-Preece (LIB/DEM)
