 The ELR amalgamated with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway on 13 May 1859.The whole line between Rawtenstall and Bacup was single-track at first; work to double the track began in 1878, and was completed in 1881.The station, originally named "Newchurch", was renamed "Waterfoot for Newchurch" on 1 August 1881; and the name was simplified to "Waterfoot" by 1922.