5. This Field Remains

In the final episode of the series, we look at the now and next for Stanlow and its neighbouring towns and villages.

The refinery continues to impact on the people living closest to it. While recording the podcast, Stanlow made the news as residents began to report physical symptoms after a leak from one of the tanks on the site. We speak to people struggling to get answers about what exactly is in the air, as questions remain over the what’s in the atmosphere in the shadow of Stanlow.

As 2024 marks the 100 year anniversary of oil refining at Stanlow, the refinery is having to adjust to the new green world to keep its place in the UK’s industrial plans for the next century. In the wake of job cuts at the refinery in the 80s, we find out where those jobs went and how this transition is a major part of Ellesmere Port’s industrial history. But a new transition is just on the horizon.

We conclude the series by looking at what is next for the aging petrochemical plant. How will Stanlow fit in with Ellesmere Port’s new plan to become a hub of the green industrial revolution. We will also hear from contributors we’ve heard from throughout the series, and what they imagine will occupy the marshland that Stanlow Oil Refinery sits on in the next 100 years.

Writer and Producer - George Powell

Senior Producer – Louise Clarke

Editor – Tara McDermott

Technical Producer – Craig Boardman

Artwork – Ellie Walmsley

Music – Joshua Leary

Black Gold is a Long Form Audio production for BBC Sounds Audio Lab

Commissioning Editor – Khaliq Meer