FAREWELL TO THE FATHER OF SALFORD QUAYS AND MEDIACITY

It is incredibly sad that we unfortunately have to deliver the news of the passing of a truly remarkable figure in Salford Politics.

Former councillor, ceremonial mayor, planning boss and freeman of the City of Salford, Ben Wallsworth MBE, has died aged 103-years-old.

Ben was a visionary who saw the huge potential in the former docklands which had laid abandoned since their closure, convincing the council to purchase the land from Manchester Council for what in hindsight was a bargain price of just £1m. The site was duly transformed into what is now a hub for media and leisure, as well as the home to both BBC in the North and ITV.

Both the Quays and MediaCityUK have since gone on to be considered one of the most successful regenerations in the UK.

Ben was awarded the Military Medal for bravery during the Second World War, spending his 20th birthday fighting alongside his comrades on the beach at Dunkirk.

Ben repeatedly refused to abandon his firearm when instructed and went on to use it to defend his unit from arial bombardment by the Luftwaffe as they hunkered down trapped on the beach.

The honour of an MBE was bestowed upon him by Her Majesty the Queen in 2001.

In 2019 he was rightfully given the freedom of the city of Salford both for his 44-year tenure in council, serving in the Weaste, Langworthy and Blackfriars wards, as well as for his multitude of achievements whilst in office.

Ben was also a keen environmentalist whose legacy still protects land between Monton and Worsley from developers to this day in the form of the Worsley Greenway.

Speaking on Facebook, former councillor and colleague of Ben, Derek Antrobus, quite rightly described him as a true giant in Salford's story:

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"So sad to learn tonight of the death of Ben Wallsworth, who passed away in his sleep this morning, aged 103.

"Ben was a remarkable man and I had the privilege to serve as his deputy when, as chairman of the Salford Council Planning and Development Committee, he led the vision and the implementation of the creation of Salford Quays

"A former mayor of Salford, Freeman of the City and decorated war hero, so much can be said about him.

He was a true giant in Salford's story."

Our very own Tony Flynn, said:

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"A great man, a man I was happy to call a friend, he did so many amazing things in his life, spent many an hour in the pub listening to him, I will miss him. R.I.P. Ben."

He was held in high regard by all who knew him, not bad for a lad from Ordsall.

Ben will be sorely missed and was a credit to our City.

Photo ©: Derek Antrobus