The Lost Streets of Salford, like its title suggests, has no permanent home. Under various titles, like Retracing Salford, A-Z of Lost Streets, it's been touring around the city at all kinds of venues, from community centres to churches.
For the last five months, the show, featuring hundreds of street signs, old maps, family snaps and oral histories, has been based at Salford Museum and Art Gallery bringing in people from the community who would normally never venture near the place…
"Over the last five months since we've been here we've had an overwhelming response to the show" says Lawrence Cassidy of the Lost Streets project "We've had coach loads of people coming in, the café's increased its business and the museum visitor numbers have increased - just like at our last show here in 2008 when numbers went up by 25%. The front of house staff also say it's been the most popular show since 1986."
With the fantastic show (see original Salford Star feature for full details – click here) due to close on December 2nd, there are now calls for a permanent home to be found for the Lost Streets. The Salford Museum and Art Gallery is currently being refurbished but there don't appear to be any plans to house the collection, which is disappointing to say the least.
Yesterday, another street sign – Strong Street - from yet another condemned street in Lower Broughton was donated to the collection, brought in by Chrissie Gregory whose husband, Jimmy used to live there…
"I love it here and I've been here loads of times" she said "I think it should be made permanent. I bring my grand daughter too and she loves it."
Salford people have until December 2nd to see the show, before it's packed away, and, like the streets it highlights, disappears.
With all the millions of pounds of Heritage money that have been poured into the city over the last few years, surely funding can be found for a permanent exhibition space where the community can celebrate its fast disappearing culture and space.
Lost Salford Streets
Salford Museum and Art Gallery until 2nd December
For opening times see website – click here
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