As part of works to improve a Black Country town centre, construction firm McPhillips has helped preserve its historic past.
The award-winning Shropshire company has moved two stone horse troughs from their previous location to a new home near the bandstand in Brunswick Park, Wednesbury.
The horse troughs were gifted to the residents of Wednesbury by Alderman John Handley and his sister Miss Jane Handley in May 1910 and September 1906 respectively. Alderman Handley served as Mayor of Wednesbury from 1906 until 1908 and he and his sister also gifted land to build the town’s library.
McPhillips is currently carrying out works on Union Street for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council as part the Wednesday Urban Greening public realm scheme, which has included replacing street paving, planting trees and installing new street furniture.
But the Telford based company offered to move and install the large horse troughs for free, helping to keep them safe and accessible for people to see for the future.
Site manager Dan Redmond said: “At McPhillips, we deeply value the communities where we operate, and we understand the importance of preserving local history.
“The relocation of the historic planters to Brunswick Park is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the town’s heritage while enhancing the town’s communal space.
“By moving these planters, which have been a part of the community for 115 years, to the bandstand, we are not just preserving history but are also improving the park space for residents to enjoy for years to come.”
Sandwell’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, Councillor Peter Hughes, said: “We want to thank McPhillips for their hard work and dedication on these renovations for Wednesbury. The improvements to public spaces will provide everyone with a pleasant place to live, work and shop.”
Friends of Brunswick Park Jill Turner and Stephen Robinson joined Dan Redmond from McPhillips and Alan Wheatley from Sandwell Council’s grounds maintenance team, when the troughs were installed at the park.
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