These were the stories making the headlines in the Guardian 25, 50 and 100 years ago this week...

100 years ago

A 13-COACH train derailed at Acton Bridge, with only the ‘presence and mind and promptitude of action’ preventing a loss of life.

The 11.40am Blackpool to Birmingham train was travelling at speed just outside Acton Bridge station when it ‘jumped the metals’.

The driver slammed on the brakes and passengers – none of whom were seriously injured – evacuated.

A signalman’s efforts also managed to stop an express train 10 yards short of the stricken train.

Warrington Boy Scouts camping nearby helped extinguish a carriage which caught fire, and the incident was fully cleared by midnight.

DOZENS of Northwich residents were left waiting for forced moves after being served eviction notices but offered nowhere to go.

Freeholders were selling homes over the heads of tenants, but a shortage across town meant they risked being made homeless.

50 years ago

A CONTROVERSIAL alcohol licence was granted for weekly discotheque dances at Memorial Hall, despite police objections.

The three-week trial aimed to attract 18 to 25-year-olds and discourage under-18s.

But Northwich Police’s chief superintendent said he feared attendees as young as 14 would try their luck at the bar.

A PASSENGER’S bad language landed a driver in hot water, after it attracted the attention of a police officer who found the motorist to be drunk.

Officers cautioned the Northwich driver for his passenger’s bad language, and observed the car weaving around as it drove off.

The driver was stopped and found to be over the limit, and was banned from driving for a year.

25 years ago

WORK began on a £145m estate at Weaver Valley – encompassing Leftwich and Davenham off the A556.

As well as 1,800 homes, shops, community facilities and a primary school, the work led to the A533 – a bypass for the busy London Road.