Historic gates returning to home city

Historic gates which have stood outside Smethwick's Soho Foundry for more than 70 years are to be returned to Liverpool where they were made, it can be revealed today.

Sandwell Council has been negotiating with Liverpool City Council over ownership of the Grade II-listed Henry Pooley Gates but it now appears to have conceded defeat. Officers at

Sandwell Council have now approved an application to have them relocated. A report says they felt the gates would have more significance to the community in Liverpool.

The report says the new location would reflect "the architectural and historic significance of the gates" and they would be "secure, appreciated and protected for future generations" in their home city.

It adds: "It is considered the gates would be better interpreted within their new location, would hold more value to the Liverpool community and will be displayed in a setting appropriate to its distinctiveness and historic character."

The gates were made by Henry Pooley & Sons for the Liverpool Sailors Home, which opened in 1850, and are believed to feature the oldest example of the Liver Birds motif.

They were removed when the building suffered bomb damage. When W & T Avery, now Avery Weigh-Tronix, took over Henry Pooley & Sons, they were moved to Smethwick.

People in Liverpool have been calling for the gates to be returned since 2008.

It had looked like Smethwick would retain the gates, especially when English Heritage pointed out Sandwell Council would get the final say over their fate.

But after continued pressure, the authority has now yielded.

The gates will now form a tribute in Liverpool to sailors who lost their lives.

Liverpool City Council spokesman Damian Richards-Clarke said the gates were "an important part of Liverpool's heritage". He added: "We are looking forward to bringing them back to their home city."

No-one from Avery Weigh-Tronix or Sandwell council was available for comment.