SWINTON'S ICONIC 'WOODY' RETURNS TO HIS SEAT OUTSIDE THE CIVIC CENTRE

Salford’s iconic tribute to local miners is back on his bench outside Salford Civic Centre after a thorough cleaning.

The wooden sculpture of a miner sitting eating his lunch, nicknamed Woody by his fans, was taken away just under three weeks ago for some minor repairs and wood treatment after spending the past five years of sitting outside Swinton Civic Centre in all weathers.

He was created in 2016 by The Friends of Agecroft Colliery to pay tribute to local miners and the many who died, including 178 men and boys who lost their lives in the Clifton Hall Colliery disaster of 1885.

The installation also includes a stone commemorating those who worked in the Irwell Valley pits.

Now the much-loved miner and his bench are back to carry on keeping alive the memories of Salford’s proud coal-mining past.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“Huge thanks to Powershift Blast Cleaning Ltd who have made Woody look great and made sure he can continue enjoying his lunch for many more years to come. I’m sure everyone will be delighted to see him return.”