Heavy artillery is returning to Shell Corner

However, plans have come under fire from Dudley Council who may not allow it to placed on the original spot at the junction of Long Lane and Nimmings Road, due to signage and lighting restrictions.

Councillor Stuart Henley tweeted a picture of the new shell, which he hopes will be in place for Remembrance Sunday.

He explained: "The council have said due to some issues they cannot put it in the original place on the island because of lighting and signage, but that's where we want it so I'm still going to continue to push for that.

"If we can't get it there then we will put it on the corner of Maple Road and Long Lane by the planters.

"The original shell was from the First World War when the Shell Corner was then called the Junction.

"When I was first campaigning as a councillor it was something that a lot of residents and shop owners said they would like to see in place again.

"We think it was there up until the early 1970s but, when the pavement was re-done and the area revamped, it just vanished."

In its hey-day, post war, the Shell Corner had three butchers, a grocers, bakers and two ladies and men's hairdressers with a strong community spirit. However, in recent years it has been blighted by drug crime and vandalism.

A flower planting campaign kick-started earlier this year to help brighten up the patch. Anti-social behaviour and shop tenancy were also labelled as problem areas.

Councillor Henley continued: "I have been speaking to so many people who don't really know the history of Shell Corner and why it was even called that.

"This shell is a real one and has been donated from Essex and weighs half a ton.

"We will be taking it down to Halesowen College for the students to decorate too, we are thinking of poppies around the base and silhouettes of war. It's about letting people know the history of the area."