This picture shows the site of a landmark former reservoir that is set to be transformed into scores of homes.

It had lain redundant for decades and for some locals – and many of the thousands of motorists that passed it daily – the previously overgrown 2.7 acre patch of land that housed Shire Oak’s underground water storage facility was simply the subject of rumour and speculation.

But with owners South Staffordshire Water on the brink of a deal with an unnamed housing developer, the completion of demolition work brings to an end the reservoir’s 116-year history.

Nearby residents are opposed to plans for residential properties at the site on the corner of Lichfield Road and Chester Road, saying it will add to existing congestion.

Patsy Allen, aged 67, who has lived in her Lichfield Road home opposite the site for almost 20 years, said she thought it was a mistake. “I think it’s the most stupid idea there is.

“I think more than 16,000 vehicles pass through every week and although we’ve asked time and time again, they are not doing anything to improve the junction.

“We’ve asked about a filter lane, but have been told it’s not necessary. I think with all those extra homes over there, it’s only going to make matters worse.

“I don’t think we should be defeatist about it, but I worry that as soon as they mention a plan like this, they’ve already got the bulldozers ready, as the decision has been made.”

Ward councillor Mike Flower said he would be keeping a close eye on future developments at the site.

He said: “Obviously developers will have further planning processes to go through and I will be interested to see how that goes.

“I think at the moment it is just important that the site remains properly secured, because of the risk of trespassers.”

Originating in 1893, Shire Oak’s reservoir was in use for three years before subsidence triggered by work at Walsall Wood colliery. And after a concrete cover was built and the structure reinforced in 1924, the four and a quarter million gallon reservoir fell out of use once and for all just 14 years later.