Norton colliery, Ford Green (1860-1977). This colliery was originally developed to supply the Ford Green furnaces after these were acquired by Mr. Heath around 1863. The rise of Ford Green followed the opening of the Biddulph Valley Line in 1859. Following the collapse of Robert Heath & Low Moor in 1928, Ford Green became the Norton part of Norton & Biddulph collieries Ltd., the company formed to carry on the colliery after iron and steel making ceased at Ford Green.