In the early ’90s, Dudley was a Black Country town in transition, as traditional manufacturing declined and closures brought job losses and uncertainty. Yet pride in the town remained strong, with voices raised through industrial action, campaigning and community spirit - a place where passion for the Black Country ran deep.
Take a look back at some of those moments captured here from the Express & Star archives, and don’t forget to share your memories in the comments.
Missed our gallery of Wolverhampton from 1960–63? Take a look here.
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1. GKN Sankey Engineering Products, Birmingham New Road, 1990
Staff celebrate outside the GKN Sankey factory alongside a Jaguar car after the Black Country firm was awarded the BS5750 quality standard in September 1990, marking recognition for its newly developed treatment claimed to improve corrosion protection on chromed automotive components. | Picture: Express & Star
2. High Street flats, Pensnett, 1990
A newly built block of flats stands at the centre of a planning row in March 1990, after Dudley Council planners raised concerns that the development may be too high and risked demolition. | Picture: Express & Star
3. Burton Road, Dudley, 1990
Ambulance workers march from Dudley Ambulance Headquarters on Burton Road towards the town centre, NUPE banners raised, in a powerful scene of industrial action from January 1990. | Picture: Express & Star
4. Highland Road, Dudley, 1990
Dudley’s Mayor, Councillor Cyril Woodall, joins Geoff Yafia of Windsor High School in Halesowen to view a pioneering community housing renovation project in October 1990, where young people aged 14 to 21 were taught practical building skills while helping to restore local homes. | Picture: Express & Star