Dole demo site nominated for heritage list

The site of a protest against dole cuts in the 1930s by jobless workers who clashed with police has been nominated for "protected heritage" status in a city.

Bexley Square in Salford is among places including pubs, historic churches, bridges, war memorials and even a bingo hall considered by Salford Council.

The Battle of Bexley Square saw around 10,000 trade unionists protesting outside Salford Town Hall on 1 October 1931 against the introduction of the coalition government's "means test" for unemployment benefit.

A local heritage asset designation must be taken into consideration during planning applications, meaning architects are expected to design buildings reflecting the existing area.

The means test - where people had to prove they were in need - was introduced by Ramsay MacDonald's coalition government in order to stabilise the British economy, following the 1929 Wall Street crash.

The protest by the Salford branch of the National Unemployed Workers' Movement was meant to see them hold a march and hand in a petition at the town hall.

However, when they arrived, they found their way blocked by police and after a stand-off, a unit of mounted officers charged into the protesters, causing many serious injuries.

Among those in the crowd were writer Walter Greenwood, who included the day's events in his novel, Love On The Dole and folk singer/poltical activist Ewan MacColl - known then as Jimmy Miller - who wrote the 1972 Grammy-winning Roberta Flack hit First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.

MacColl also wrote the folk song Dirty Old Town, which has been covered by bands such as The Pogues, and is considered the city's unofficial anthem.

Other nominations include Cosmo Bingo hall on Liverpool Road in Eccles, a pet groomers in Worsley's Booth Villa, an old potato warehouse in Boothstown, and a selection of post boxes around the borough.

Locals will be able to comment on the list during a consultation period which is open from 3 August until 14 September.

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