ECCLES HISTORY REVEALED DURING SHOP RENOVATION

I was delighted to be contacted last night by Stephen Saleh who told me a very interesting story and did I have any information?

Workmen refurbishing a premises on Church Street, Eccles had revealed a large tiled mural with the monogram BL set in the centre which had been hidden from view for many, many years covered up by a studded wall.

Using my so called "archive" I did a bit of research and discovered that the premised used to be a confectionery shop called, Bowdens Limited, hence the monogram.

The shop was listed in the 1923 Trades Directory but by 1939 it had been taken over by Meeson's Limited another well known confectionery company.

It has has gone through many owners over the years including, Minton Wallpaper, Smiths Cleaners and Quinns Electrical Store who sold expensive stereos and Hi-Fi equipment.

The Booth family are the present owners who will be letting the premises to Adam and James Hairdressers who have a smaller premises on Church Street at present.

I do hope that the tiles are left in situ and used as a feature in the shop, I believe they are an important reminder of Eccles's  social history and should be preserved, fingers crossed!