Way out west… Brownhills West. The Hednesford Road is as straight as a die, but do you have any images of the Pear Tree Inn/Cottage when it was open, or any images of the general area before the M6 Toll was built? Imagery by Bing! Maps. Click for a larger version.
I’ve been contacted by blog reader Stuart Jakeman, who’s appealing for images of Brownhills West before the toll road came through. He’s also after any images we may have of the Pear Tree when it was still open. Can anybody help?
While we’re on the subject, I’m after materials relating to the planning process for the M6 Toll – the BNRR Birmingham Northern Relief Road as it was known back then – any route or protest leaflets, newspaper adverts etc. I’ve not covered that bit of our history at all and it could do with a bit of attention.
If anyone still has one, I’m also after a copy of the 1980s ‘Blue Book’ – the Aldridge Brownhills Local Plan. It was legendary at the time, and I’d love to scan a copy and get it online.
If you can help with any of these, please do comment here or mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers!
Hi Bob
I have been following your blog for a number of months now and wondered if you can help?
I have lived in Brownhills West for the majority of my life. I grew up on Hednesford Road next door but one to what was Bakers West Garage (Now Chase Auto Repairs), and as a teenager our house was purchased to build the M6 Toll (BNNR). What I need help with is obtaining pictures or photographs of what Hednedford Road was like before the houses were knocked down (early 90’s or before), looking from Bakers Garage up towards Princes Knob or vise versa. Also pictures looking towards The Pear Tree Cottage.
I do have some pictures of the Pear Tree Cottage shortley before it was knocked down but is was in a poor state of repair and I would like pictures when is was a public house. I did find some aerial photographs of the Brownhills West area at Walsall Heritage Center but was unable to get a copy due to copyright, any type of pictures would be great and I dont mind paying for the pictures I am looking for or a copy if on a computer.
I Have already approached Bill Mayo.
Hope you can help
Thanking you in advance
Stuart Jakeman
Locals will note that although this Post Office closed a while back, the shopfront hasn’t changed much – last time I passed it was still pretty much as it is in this picture. If I recall correctly, there used to be a small sorting office at the back. I’m sure I can remember going there in the mid-90’s to collect a parcel. Taken from ‘Memories of Brownhills Past’ by Clarice Mayo & Geoff Harrington.