Wigan Album

I know which I prefer. The top one has so much atmosphere, There's so much going on.
Cheers Ron.

Thanks Ron, this is 56 years on from Frank Orrell’s picture.
Whatever people might think, everywhere is a lot greener.

I must say it was easier crossing the road in the old photo. I have stood wondering which crossing is the easiest to dodge traffic when going up Scholes from Library St. The relief felt when I have made it to the other side.
(I love the way the two men are ‘fradging’ over the wall.)

Veronica you are right, dual carriageways tend to cut off communities, they are both a physical and psychological barrier no matter how many crossings are provided.
What ever happened to the crowds of folk who used to walk up and down Scholes and Darlington Street?
Perhaps now all at home ordering on line, watching Netflix or with any luck contributing to WW.

I'm sure that's my Dad (or his double) on his Vespa in the top picture which I think he bought from Fosters - the motor bike and scooter ship - that you can see. Its the low brick building on the right just after where the lorry is parked.

Top picture - I know and recognize where I am.
Bottom picture - not a clue!

Gary, just 10 years previous to Franks picture, there wails have been no block of flats and the railway bridge to Central Station would have still been there.
I wonder what a picture from the same spot would look like in another 56 years? 2080!

Colin, I remember the railway bridge and Douglas House flats just beyond it, on the left.
Right turn into Station Road.
Another 56 years will probably see everyone living in balsa wood compartments moving around on solar powered roller skates.

Gary, I think you are thinking this view is from the Scholes side.
It’s from the Millgate side, the top picture with Chapel Lane to the right and Station Read to the left.
Douglas House is on this side of the railway bridge.
Station Road and most of Chapel Lane confined history, replaced with River Way dual carriageway.