Snapper captured birth of M6

A photograph showing the construction of the Midlands busiest route has been unearthed amongst a selection of long forgotten shots.

The image of the M6, which is now used by thousands of motorists each day, was taken by Junction 9 before it opened in 1960s. It shows workers on the motorway, close to the current Banks’s Stadium in Bescot.

Tons of scaffolding has been used to access the giant pillars supporting the road.

And a lorry carrying a crane hangs precariously over the edge of the motorway.

It is among 50 photographs including views of Walsall town centre and Rushall which have been discovered by Walsall-born Dave Bell. They were taken by his father James Gilbert between the 1940s-60s. He was a keen photographer and spent his spare time capturing photos across his hometown.

Mr Bell, who now lives in Essex, has handed over the pictures to Walsall Council, which has appealed for old images to help restore old buildings and create exhibitions.

His father died aged 73 in the mid 90s and Mr Bell only stumbled across the photos while clearing out his mother Lin’s home when she passed away last month.

Mr Gilbert, who used to run Colorcraft hardware shop in Leamore Lane, put together the collection as a hobby while living in Pleck and Rushall. Mr Bell, aged 52, said: “I was surprised to find them in such good condition but they had been kept in an album. I have always been interested in local history and old pictures and Walsall has changed quite a lot over the years. Hopefully they will provide interest to others,” he said.

People have been asked to search their photo albums, attics and basements for images of Upper Bridge Street, Ablewell Street, Freer Street, Lower Rushall Street and Lichfield Street. This is to help with the £1.1m Bridge Street/Ablewell Street Townscape Heritage Initiative which is aimed at regenerating the town’s historic landscape through grants to repair its buildings.

Grant applicants will use the old images to restore lost architectural details such as traditional shop fronts and the images could then be used for exhibitions, websites, and newsletters. Photographs collected will go to the Walsall Local History Centre.