Willenhall lock memorial gets public backing

A plan to build a brick wall in the town centre inscribed with the details of workers past and present has attracted £10,000 grant and more funding is being sought.

Those behind the scheme want to put the town's world famous lock-making heritage on the map. It is based on a similar project in Hednesford, Staffordshire, that recognises thousands of miners.

Now, more than 100 people in Willenhall have put in requests for application forms that will allow them to honour their relatives on the monument.

Willenhall Heritage Trust launched a sponsorship campaign last year to help cover the costs to build the structure, which will go on land at the corner of Walsall Street and Bilston Street recognising the people who worked for leading industry names including Yale, Chubb and Squire.

Diane Coughlan, of the trust, said: "Well over 100 people have expressed their interest in sponsoring a brick either for themselves or for family members. We've so far had a really good response to the plan to install the wall in the town centre in honour of the lock workers and the town's heritage.

"Members of Willenhall Heritage Trust ran a stall in the market for the Christmas celebration day held in the town last month and were very encouraged by the take up. Applications forms will be sent to all those people who have so far registered their names to ensure that their correct information will be put on the bricks.

"We do need many more folks get on board from all across the community. We would appeal for people to get in touch with us."

Walsall Council put up the initial funding of £10,000 for the scheme from its capital programme and more sponsorship is now being sought.

In Staffordshire, 3,500 engraved bricks were built into the wall that surrounds Hednesford's iconic Davy Lamp in recognition of thousands of miners who worked at the Cannock Chase coalfields. Thousands attended the dedication ceremony of the third and final phase of the laying of bricks at the miners' memorial there last April.

Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the Willenhall bricks can send an email to membersofwht@btinternet.com or write to WHT c/o 69 Brereton Road Willenhall WV12 5LA for more details and an application form.

Swedish security products firm Assa Abloy now makes some of the best known brands including Chubb, Yale and Union which all had factories in the town. Other businesses included Josiah Parkes & Son Ltd and CE Marshall.