Brierley Hill War Memorial cannon disappears from sight

The ornamental cannon took pride of place on Church Hill and campaigners are today demanding its return to its long-standing home.

Residents initially feared it had been stolen and sold for scrap but it has actually been removed by the council, which is carrying out a project to secure the land.

There were fears earth and debris could slip down the hill into the road below so the cannon has been removed and large concrete stones erected against the wall at the bottom of the hill.

The cannon was created by 18th century Brierley Hill manufacturers, Bailey and Pegg, which produced shots, shells and cannons for the British Army.

It has stood on Church Hill for decades. The council said it will not be returned until October.

Historian Victoria Horton said the mysterious disappearance of the cannon had upset residents, with some fearing it had been stolen by thieves looking to cash in on its metal value.

"The cannon disappeared suddenly and has not come back," said the 70-year-old from Stourbridge.

"It must be returned. It is important for the history of the area and we just want it back. We had feared that it might have been taken by a scrap man."

Her own grandfather, Joseph Price, worked at Bailey and Pegg before the First World War.

"Obviously the cannon was manufactured before my grandfather worked at Bailey and Pegg but it is still an important piece of Brierley Hill history and deserves to be returned to it's original position," she added.

The cannon stood near Brierley Hill War Memorial which depicts First World War solider, Stanley Harley, the first Brierley Hill man to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member responsible for environmental services at the council, said: "Dudley Council has placed into safe keeping the ornamental cannon to ensure its safety. This was to carry out restoration work on the wall and bank.

"The cannon will return to its original position once the timber frame that forms its base has been refurbished and replaced."