Ghost signs in Ashton Under Lyne

Along Whitelands Road in Ashton in 2014

In the interests of wider participation I open this out to everyone.

Ron was out recently and found these which are some interesting examples of ghost signs

“Here's something from Whitelands Road in Ashton under Lyne to get your teeth into Andrew. 

As far as I can make out, the address in the first picture is 10?/19? Victoria Street Manchester but the main lettering seems to have been done over twice. 

Economisers is definitely the key word as can be seen from one of the other pictures. 

The third (and least distinct picture) appears to read 'Goodbrands special testing machines' and all the buildings in this Industrial Estate seem to have been connected. 

On looking round the rear of the premises which back onto the Huddersfield Narrow Gauge Canal, there are no signs at all. 

Not surprising as this side is south facing whereas the preserved lettering is all on north facing walls. 

Hope this is of interest to you despite being in Ashton.”

Well of course it is just what I like but I fear my knowledge of Ashton is a little hazy these days and so the challenge is out there.

All comments, pictures and research will be added to the story on a rolling programme.

'Goodbrands special testing machines'

Ghost signs like these, especially industrial ones will not be with us for much longer.

A mix of the weather and neglect will see many fade and become too difficult to read while the redevelopment of brown sites will mean many are just lost forever when the buildings are demolished.

And yet for decades and in some cases a century or more they were the names of places which gave employment to thousands but are fast being lost from living memory.

Picrures; ghost signs in Ashton, 2014, Ron Stubley