If you really want to you can drive down the M602 and at the end you can find the "Gas Works Croft" - a bit of waste land by the gas works. The last time I was there it was a derelict used car lot. Nearby is also the Manchester Ship Canal and the disused Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal (closed just prior to WW2). There are also plenty of railway lines where the glare from an open firebox door of a steam loco would certainly set the night on fire. I'm quite happy with Salford being the inspiration but you can apply the spirit of the song to many old industrial towns. Just as long as you don't present it as an Irish song by the Pogues which is what most pub bands seem to do. I've actually heard it sung in a Salford pub by a local guy in a cod-Irish accent.............