A film that shows life in Blackburn in the 1970s has been published by the British Film Institute player.

‘Not so much a facelift’ was filmed in 1976 to show the human impact of changes made to urban areas as a part of the policy of creating General Improvement Areas.

The film, which contains witty folk singing and tongue in cheek observations, captures a sunnier time of Chopper bikes, children playing in streets and corner shops filled with jars of sweets.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Picture courtesy of BFI Player

Footage details the decisions made by planners and architects of the time and the impact they had on residents around the Queens Park area.

Former Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough council, Mr Phil Watson CBE, features on the film discussing how minor changes can affect residents’ lives.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Phil Watson CBE is heard saying: “While one is still anxious that things should run smoothly in a General Improvement Area, it is wrong to do so at the expense of children’s play areas.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The film also shows scenes from other towns including Norwich, Oxford and Bolton.

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From Britain on Film available at http://player.bfi.org.uk/britain-on-film">BFI Player

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From Britain on Film available at BFI Player