Tribute right up street of council heritage champ

IF ANYONE deserved to have a street named after them, it was Joe Martin.

- NEAL KEELING

For almost 40 years he was a guardian of his city's buildings.

As conservation officer for Salford council he played a key role in preserving the heritage. But he was also known in pubs and clubs across the north for being one half of a close harmony singing duo with his brother, Pete.

Joe was the youngest of 12 siblings who were born and raised in a house at the corner of Broughton Road and London Street in the city. He joined the council in 1974 as a trainee building inspector and remained there until he died in 2010, aged 58.

At a ceremony to mark the creation of Joe Martin Street, Pete Martin, 76 and his brother-in-law and close friend Kevin Garner, 74, played their guitars and sang three 1960s classics as a nod to Joe.