A war memorial hidden away at a Salford electricity depot for almost a century has been restored to its former glory and put in pride of place at the site.
The memorial plaque at Electricity North West’s operational depot on Fredrick Road, Salford, was left languishing and unseen more than 50 feet above the ground when employees decided to restore it.
Bob Cowell, Overhead Linesman for Electricity North West, said: “The 15 men that the plaque commemorates all worked in the same electricity depot that we now work in.
“The plaque had been positioned near a walkway on the first floor that led to an old control room, but had been left up there long after the walkway had been removed, leaving it hanging up out of sight.
“It was sad that no one could really see it so I felt that it was important for us to do something.”
The war memorial before its restoration
Salford’s Royal British Legion unveiled the newly restored plaque at Electricity North West’s depot.
David Fells, chairman of the Salford British Legion, said: “At this time of year the nation comes together to remember all those who lost their lives in the two great wars and other conflicts. It is important that they will always be remembered.”
The plaque reads: “County Borough of Salford Electricity Department: In memory and honour this tablet is inscribed to the memory of those members of staff who laid down their lives in the Great War 1914-1918.”
Main image: Bob Cowell from Electricity North West and David Fells, chairman of the Salford British Legion
