Stirling Moss

I’ve a puzzler for readers of The Brownhills Blog. It’s more of a clarification, really. Top local history ferret [Howmuch?] has been rootling throughout he archives again, and came up with this snippet from the Walsall Observer. I’ve transcribed it as the quality of the scan was a bit middling.

Brownhills Urban District Council

September 5th, 1908

Proposed New Pumping Plant at the Moss Pits

The surveyor in his report stated that estimates of the cost of repairs to the pumps at the Moss Pits had been presented, and he asked council to take into immediate consideration the question of substituting a gas suction plant in lieu of the present oil engines, which were undoubtedly under their work and a continual source of trouble and costly in repairs.  – In reply to Mr. Hill, the surveyor said the present engines were of five brake horse power. – Mr. Hill expressed the opinion that engines of at least 12 horse power were required. – Mr. Roberts proposed that the surveyor be directed to make enquiries as to the cost of putting down a suction gas plant, and this was seconded and agreed to.

My question is simple: where on earth were The Moss Pits? The size of the pumps mentioned is such that this is a surface water pump, I feel. Is this the one at Clayhanger, or is it the then new sewage works between Clayhanger and Bullings Heath? I’m inclined to think it’s on The Spot – where Clayhanger Common is now – due to the following two photos in ‘Memories of Old Brownhills’ by Clarice Mayo and Geoff Harrington. I know they say that it was built in 1921, but that may have been a replacement.

If not, where was it?

Whilst mooching for stuff in the online archives – which didn’t appear to be conclusive, I came upon this gem concerning the same installation. It seems vandalism is nothing new.

So, where was it?