Backstreet had hidden charms

The clue is in the name. Back Sneddon Street has never been a showcase for Paisley’s charms.

It has always lived up to its backstreet tag in so many ways.

Not only is it off the beaten track, but it always seems to have had that backstreet feel to it, thanks to its lowgrade part industrial, part residential makeup.

Our historic picture shows it on one dark day in 1957, when not a soul was to be seen.

That’s not to say the street wouldn’t have been busy enough – the many cars attest to that.

Indeed, for the period, there is a surprising number of cars in this single space.

Perhaps there was a meeting going on at one of the businesses in the area.

Despite its backstreet status, there was a certain charm to the street more than 60 years ago.

As our up-to-date picture shows,I am not so sure we could say the same today.

Then Back Sneddon Street in 1957. Picture courtesy of Heritage Centre, Paisley Museum and Central Library

Now The scene today