A COMMUNITY has come together to mark the 175th anniversary of disturbances in Blackburn which became known as the Plug Riots.

On August 15, 1842, hundreds walked out of mills across the North West of England over a dispute concerning wage cuts and poor working conditions.

After the Riot Act was read British armed forces open fired on the crowds of strikers.

It is thought between three and six people were killed and around 15 others seriously injured.

The five men from Blackburn, who incited the riot, were deported to Tasmania and never returned to the UK.

To commemorate the anniversary a wreath was laid by Blackburn with Darwen mayor Colin Rigby below a blue plaque in Darwen Street yesterday.

An exhibition has also been set up at BBC Radio Lancashire studios, the scene of the riot, which includes historical documents and pictures relating to the event.

Cllr Tony Humphrys, who has conducted 20 years of historical research on the Plug Riots, said: "It has to be one of the most violent and bloodiest days in Blackburn’s history.

“This exhibition is to make sure young people remember the history of their town and the sacrifices their predecessors made on their behalf.

“This is an unfinished story and someone needs to take it up to complete it.

"It has been hard finding all the facts from historical research.

“There are still names that we haven’t been told about and it’s important to give them the recognition that they deserve.”

Mark Metcalf, 57, from Peterlee, County Durham, has organised a series of events in Halifax, where riots also took place in the same month.

He said: “The Plug Riots are one of the biggest political events to have taken place in Blackburn’s history.

“It is a testimony to the people of Blackburn that this plaque is up.”

Blackburn with Darwen council leader Mohamed Khan said: “This has been really educational for me to learn about an important part of the town’s history.

“I hope this will raise awareness for young people who live in the town.”

The exhibition will remain at BBC Radio Lancashire until tomorrow when it will then be transferred to go on show at Blackburn Library.