With two petitions running and a musical protest at the site last Sunday (see previous Salford Star article click here), campaigners are asking the National Grid for a last minute re-think about demolishing the two huge iconic gas holders on Liverpool Street, made famous in Ewan MacColl's anthem Dirty Old Town.
Other towns and cities have up-cycled similar gas holders into apartment blocks and even a park in King's Cross (see here). In Salford, the National Grid, with the blessing of Salford City Council, has agreed to keep a wall that's not in the original words of the song... 'I found my love by the gasworks croft...'
Those who want to keep disappearing Salford heritage alive are asking for a creative re-use of the gas holders but today the National Grid, which is already on site preparing for the demolition, revealed that there's no re-think about to happen...
"Improvements and modernisation in technology for storing gas mean individual gas holders haven't been used for many years" said a spokesperson "As the Salford gas holder is no longer required, the structure is being dismantled. This is the first step in making redundant brownfield land available for future use.
"We recognise the historic interest in the Salford gasholder and are working closely with stakeholders, including Salford Council and local community groups, to leave an engaging legacy that celebrates its role over the years" they added.
The petitions are still running with more protests planned...
To sign the petitions click here or click here
For a full background including Peggy Seeger's reaction click here
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