Goole Civic Society was invited to watch Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton open Goole's new A161 link road, which he said would bring 3,500 much-needed jobs to the port town.

The new road, from the M62 to the docks, was officially named Tom Pudding Way, which was suggested by Goole Civic Society members.

Civic Society Chair Margaret Hicks-Clarke (left) and Treasurer Rachel Walker (right) are pictured with the Minister (third from right), Goole MP Andrew Percy (second from right) and other dignitaries at the official opening on Friday, February 5th 2016.

The Minister spoke about Goole's industrial heritage, in the context of the original "Northern Powerhouse". He also looked forward to the creation of thousands of new jobs in the industrial park opened up by the new road, off Junction 36 of the M62.

 Local MP Andrew Percy said he had pressed hard to ensure that the link road, first been mooted 20 years ago, had come to fruition.

 The interpretation board explaining the term Tom Pudding was designed and produced by Goole Civic Society.

Tom Puddings were chains of compartment boats which for more than a century carried coal from the Yorkshire coalfield along the Aire and Calder Navigation to Goole Docks. The boats were lifted by compartment boat hoists and tipped into the holds of ships to be exported.

This method of transportation was unique to Goole. Only one compartment boat hoist survives - the No. 5 hoist - and is a Grade 2* listed building.

Mrs Hicks-Clarke said: "The Civic Society was extremely proud to have the name it suggested adopted for the new road. 

"It is a great step forward for Goole and will bring new jobs and prosperity to the town, which we welcome."