Looking Back: Shoppers had their eye on bargains in Victoria Square

Looks like something caught the attention of these women out shopping on Victoria Square in Bolton in 1964.



The photo is dated January that month so perhaps there was a bargain to be had in the sales.

You are looking towards Newport Street and at this time it was still possible to park for free outside the shops.

We were wondering what the shop on the corner attracting so much attention might be - the HSBC is there today.

Source

Long before my time! I only remember Victoria Square being pedestrianised.

Norpig wrote:Long before my time! I only remember Victoria Square being pedestrianised.

Me too although I do like looking at old pictures of the town.

Have you noticed that there's never really any litter around unlike today?

karlypants wrote:

Norpig wrote:Long before my time! I only remember Victoria Square being pedestrianised.

Me too although I do like looking at old pictures of the town.

Have you noticed that there's never really any litter around unlike today?

It was around 1970 I think when it became pedestrianised as I used to catch the bus home (the Number 1 bus) from in front of the Town Hall as you can see the stop in this picture I've found dated 1969.

karlypants wrote:

Me too although I do like looking at old pictures of the town.

Have you noticed that there's never really any litter around unlike today?

Fast food outlets haven't helped when it comes to litter.

boltonbonce wrote:

karlypants wrote:

Me too although I do like looking at old pictures of the town.

Have you noticed that there's never really any litter around unlike today?

Fast food outlets haven't helped when it comes to litter.

Very true that Boncey.

I do think that people had more respect back then as many people have today though.

karlypants wrote:

Very true that Boncey.

I do think that people had more respect back then as many people have today though.

That's right. I'll put litter in my pockets or my bag if I can't find a bin. Just disrespectful to chuck it. If I chucked anything as a kid, dad was soon on my back, and made me pick it up.

I'm the same, my kids had it drummed in to them when they were younger, i hate littering!

Norpig wrote:I'm the same, my kids had it drummed in to them when they were younger, i hate littering!

My son is the same.

I just don’t get why people are happy to live in a shit hole. It’s the same with fly tippers.

I have noticed one thing with our council though. Less waste bins in popular areas such as Victoria square and outside takeaways etc.

There is no encouragement to dispose of your litter responsibly. The council want you to take it home so I’m guessing the youngsters these days don’t want to be carrying pockets full of rubbish around with them.

Now I’m not saying the council are completely to blame but it’s a bit stupid the way they think to save a few quid employing someone to empty bins when it costs more for road sweepers.