Historic lead found in Willenhall scrap yard checks

More investigations were today being carried out on the lead, which dates back to 1887. It was found in a merchant's yard in Willenhall and is suspected to have originally come from a church.

Walsall Police are now investigating how it came to be deposited at the site.

It comes after police carried out a day of action to check new scrap dealing regulations brought into force on October 1 were being complied with. Premises and spot checks were carried out in Clarkes Lane and in Springvale Street, in Willenhall, as part of Operation Steel.

Fifteen vehicles including goods vans and small flat bed trucks were pulled over.

Of these eight vans had defects including faulty lights and drivers were all issued with prohibition notices for repairs to be done before the vans can be returned to the road. Three other vans carrying scrap were seized by officers after it emerged the owners had no licences to operate as collectors. They all face prosecution.

Of the five scrap yards visited just one had no licence. The operator was advised to make an immediate application. At another scrap yard, officers found an electricity transformer and two substation switches. Electricity firm Western Power Distribution was due to carry out checks on where the equipment, containing copper, came from.

Lead officer Pc Kevin Potts said: "We found some suspicious items and rest assured we'll be making follow-up inquiries about those. We have also been educating businesses about their responsibilities."

The checks were part of an initiative to ensure all collectors have a licence, a waste carriage license from the Environment Agency and the correct motor insurance under new laws now in force.

Walsall Council executive director Jamie Morris said: "This new legislation gives us powers to tackle the irresponsible traders in Walsall."