Once there were homes, postwar social housing.
Once there were jobs, a measure of prosperity.
A settled community.
Time has not been kind to North Manchester, successive slumps, double-dip depressions, economic downturns, and centrally imposed recession hurts.
The local authority steps in, from 2009 the fate of Eastford Square is sealed.
Regeneration.
Spells demolition.
One wing is already gone, the maisonettes are tinned up.
The Flower Pot Café, still fully functional, fed me well for £2, Lee the proprietor is living on borrowed time though, hoping for relocation within the new development.
Other businesses have not survived the transition, awaiting CPO and who knows what.
The square is blessed with a concrete sculpture, whose fate I hope is secured, somehow.
Possibly by William Mitchell – possibly not.
This as ever, is a time of change, I hope that the area and its current inhabitants live to tell the tale, rather than fall victim to the tide of gentrification, forcing them further afield.
O Romeo Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Modern Mooch 
I loved here upto 1989 my parents 2010 had to move out heartbroken…in q970s early 80’s there was a community spirit here ..that will never be repeated in our lifetime again…i had many a happy childhood here growing up with my grandparents living next door but one. .our row above the shops is still up for some reason..
long live collydog!
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well said you x
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Hi stuart i remember you above the shops, and josie, how are you and family x
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I lived at number 5, we were a big family, i loved it here lots of memories growing up, remember the silver jubilee party on the square wish i had pictures, the guy selling the manchester evening news sat on the wall. lovely growing up great neighbours.
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I remember the Siddalls. I used to live at no 3 next to Jacks. I hope you are all well. I miss this place and it’s sad to see it totally derelict.
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I know who the kids are in the photograph. The little one is knocking on my door I remember it to this day. We had gone in for dinner
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Around 1974 I stayed with Harry & Doreen Cheetham at number 37. Had a great time and many visits to the post office on the corner to send my purchased LP’s to The Netherlands.
We lost contact but I have fond memories of my visit.
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