Places (Help with places, streets and buildings in Wigan.)
Wigan Emp/Casino was closed down because it was falling down. Chronic lack of maintenance and neglect by the owners Holcrofts Brewery et al saw it off after a 'mysterious' fire. The Dance floor was particularly unsafe. All the bands were told not to play Bits & Pieces (1964) by the Dave Clark 5 which involved collective stamping of the floor with your feet in certain parts of the song. Gerry Marshall the manager ordered Bill Blackledge, dance band leader cum reluctant stage manager, to impose a strict ban. Of course he would! The sprung dance floor and it's supports had been gradually rotting away for years. Current Health & Safety Laws didn't exist back then in the mid sixties and profit was king so they turned a blind eye.
Replied: 15th Apr 2020 at 18:21