Blackpool during the Winter of Discontent

A snapshot of Blackpool during the power cuts of the 1970s and the Winter of Discontent

Transcript

00:00These photos from the 1970s offer a snapshot into what life was like in the

00:04resort during power cuts, when workers fought for pay through strike action and

00:08the depressing winter of discontent in 1978 and 1979. Trade unions were

00:14demanding pay rises above a government cap in efforts to control inflation,

00:18petrol stations were closed, goods were not being delivered, rubbish was piling

00:22up in the streets and, adding to the gloom, was the coldest winter for 15

00:26years. The decade famously endured blackouts, there were queues for candles

00:31and haircuts in the streets.