THE people of Farnworth have always been passionate about their part of the borough.

And back in 1988 ‘Farnworth fever’ was in full flow as residents banded together following threats to the future of St James’ School in New Bury.

The school, opened on December 2, 1961, was facing the axe so staff and pupils bit back, brandishing placards in the playground.

The protesters were just one of a bunch who took part in a Day of Action.

In the Bolton Evening News coverage of events it described how families in Farnworth would “no longer tolerate their role as “poor relations” of boom town Bolton.

That was the main message on the Day of Action which saw protesters take to the street in a series of events to publicise their campaign for more government aid, more jobs and a better environment.

The action on Saturday began with a “What future for Farnworth?” conference.

However, it was the demand of “hands off our school” which was described as the loudest of all.