Ryders Hayes was later recorded as consisting of sidings[5][unreliable source?] that connected the South Staffordshire Line to the north of Pelsall and south of Brownhills. It consisted of five lines that ran close to the former Walsall to Lichfield Line.[6][unreliable source?] It was used for transporting coal and minerals to collieries around the region.[7] There was also a connection to the former Pelsall Colliery and Pelsall Iron Works in Pelsall Wood.[8] In the Hand Book and Appendix of the Stations and Sidings on the Railways in the United Kingdom, with the names alphabetically arranged, etc. written by Henry Oliver and John Bockett (of Railway Clearing House in London).[9] mentions Ryders Hayes by saying and quote:
STATIONS. Ryders Hayes...... RAILWAY. London & North Western.. POSITION. OR BETWEEN. Walsall and Wichnor.
The line to Norton Junction opened in 1858 and this created a junction at Ryders Hayes Crossing. The opening of the line offered a direct connection between Pelsall and Cannock via Norton Canes at Norton Junction. Additionally, there was also connections to the coal pits at Pelsall Common in 1865, however this was closed in 1903. The crossing was later upgraded to accommodate both the main line and the sidings as a marshall yard.[10] The crossing also had a signal box and cross keepers cottage.[11] The line to between Walsall and Lichfield closed to passenger services in 1964 along with the stations on the line and the line to Norton Junction was closed in 1981. Followed by the line between Walsall and Lichfield in 1984.[12]
The route of the former Norton Branch has been redeveloped at the site of Ryders Hayes Crossing into housing, while the line between Walsall and Brownhills is now part of the "McClean Way", named after John Robinson McClean.[13]
Ryders Hayes Estate
Farmland between Ryders Hayes Lane and Railswood Drive was developed for council housing in the 1960s. In 1970, older housing near the Gilpin Arm of the Wyrley and Essington Canal and the New Inns public house were demolished and replaced by additional housing.[14] In 1967, one of the main streets into the estate named "Ryders Hayes Lane" was recorded in a 1967 Motor Sport article by William Boddy.[15] Part of the former Ryders Hayes Crossing goods yard was redeveloped for multiple council housing estates.[16], following closure of the route between Norton Canes and Pelsall, additional housing was built on the former trackbed and sidings.
As of September 2024, the York Bridge on Norton Road/Lime Lane is being replaced by a new bridge[20] and this aims to maintain access to the Ryders Hayes area upon completion.[21]
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