Runcorn

Runcorn, town in Cheshire, in north-western England. It is an industrial town on the River Mersey, specializing in the production of chemicals. Its importance stems from the construction in 1773 of the Bridgewater Canal, which runs through it. A bridge across the River Mersey links the town with Widnes and Liverpool. In 1964 Runcorn was developed as a New Town to house the excess population of Liverpool and Manchester, and in 1981 it was merged with Warrington, another New Town. It is adjacent to the Manchester Ship Canal and the Trent and Mersey Canal. Population 64,154 (1991).