Our changing landscape: views of Wigan streets in 1971

By Michelle Adamson

Published 3rd Sep 2026, 04:55 BST

Some of these pictures, taken for the Wigan Observer 55 years ago of local streets, will look very familiar and others far less so.

But you do expect the landscape to have changed to a degree since 1971.

The Silverwell Hotel on the corner of Darlington Street and Cambridge Street in September 1971. Photo: Frank Orrell

Chapel Street, Lower Ince, in December 1971. Photo: Frank Orrell

A section of Church Street, Standish, in November 1971. Photo: Frank Orrell

Peter and Mary Ashcroft outside their 100 year old cottage in Townsends Yard, off St. James Road, Orrell, in October 1971. Photo: Frank Orrell

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