Ripping the railway tracks out of Fleetwood left the port stranded when it shut for good in 1970.
And many people, to this day, still believe the controversial move marked the start of the port’s desperate decline. However 50 years on, the Government has pledged to go ahead with plans to reverse the historical rail cuts - with the Fleetwood to Poulton link being top of the list. Here are some of the old railway photos to the port peninsular.
13. leedsvportsmouth1986.jpg
Ian Baird heads home against Pompey at Elland Road.
14. leedsvpompey1986.jpg
Andy Ritchie celebrates scoring.
15. leedsv2pompey1986.jpg
Pompey's only goal came from the penalty spot as did United's third courtesy of John Sheridan.
16. leedsvshrew1986.jpg
A Neil Aspin goal earned the Whites the three points against The Shrews at Elland Road.
17. leedsv1oldham1986.jpg
The Whites were beaten for the third time against Oldham in less than a month.
18. leedsvderby1986.jpg
Ian Snodin in action against The Rams at Elland Road.