The seat of city power

Like it or not, Peterborough City Council plays abig part in all of our lives. Today’s pictures give a fascinating snapshot of some of its history.

The group shot of elected councillors was taken in 1983.

How many of them can you remember? The familiar face of Britain’s longest serving councillor Charles Swift can be seen fifth from the right on the front row.

I think a former leader of the council, Neville Sanders, who died recently, is on the back row fifth from left.

The current leader, a youthful looking John Holdich is onthe far right of the third row.

The aerial picture of the townhall is undated but gives an indication of the size of the building which dominates Bridge Street.

The view from Priestgate was taken in 1980. Do you remember the restaurant? Was it called Crawford’s?

The picture to the right shows the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone at Peterborough Town Hall in 1929.

Presumably the gentlemen in the picture were the councillors of the day.

The picture beneath is of Bridge Street and was taken a year later in 1930.

I believe it shows the early days of the construction of the town hall which was completed in 1934.

If you have any information or memories please get in touch.

Aerial View Fletton Parkway has been in the news after improvements went over budget costing city taxpayers an extra £5m. This picture taken in 1984 shows the section with the Stanground interchange .