The ward was named for its location close to the River Ribble, and the historical links to the former Port of Preston.

The ward formed part of the Lancashire County Council electoral division of Preston City.

The ward was in the southwest of the city, curving along the route of the Ribble from Broadgate to the docklands, where the river eventually meets the Fylde coast, and ultimately the Irish Sea.

The ward featured the terrace streets and student hostels along Fishergate Hill towards Preston railway station, the Royal Mail sorting office, and many shops and businesses along the docklands development.

The Penwortham by-pass was in this ward, joining the campus of the University of Central Lancashire to traffic on the western side of the city.