Runcorn is a port town in the county of Cheshire. It has a population of over 61,000 people. The town resides within the borough of Halton on the southern bank of the River Mersey. Runcorn is 8 miles northeast of Warrington and 16 miles west of the city of Liverpool.
Shipbuilding, quarrying and engineering were all key to the town's economic growth leading up to the 20th Century. Runcorn's port was useful to establish trade links and the town was part of the canal network which helped Runcorn to expand further. Chemical and tanning industries developed prominence within the town and are still an important source of employment today.
Runcorn was established as a New Town in 1964. This more than doubled the population from 30,000 to 60,000 people. New housing developments aimed to ease the increase in population within the town, and although there is a high density of housing within Runcorn, there are also plenty of areas of parkland and open green spaces.
Chemical manufacture in Runcorn remains at the forefront of industry, with companies such as Ineos manufacturing chemicals including chlorine within the town. Runcorn maintains good transport links with the rest of the UK which has set the town up to be a centre for manufacturing and distribution businesses. The service industries and retail also continue to provide employment opportunities within the town of Runcorn.
Runcorn has two shopping centres and a small market. Trident Park offers more shopping outlets as well as a cinema. The town of Runcorn is also home to the ruins of Halton Castle, which lies on Halton Hill near the centre of town. There are also many museums, as well as theatres, restaurants and bars in the town of Runcorn.