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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9. Brierley Hill Youth Centre, Cottage Street, 1991
Young protesters gather outside Dudley Council House after councillors approved £5 million of spending cuts to avoid raising the poll tax, with the threatened closure of the youth centre and Dudley Law Centre sparking public opposition. | Picture: Express & Star
10. Amblecote, Stourbridge, 1991
Modern housing developments in Amblecote, Stourbridge, as seen in February 1991. | Picture: Express & Star
11. Russells Hall Primary School, 1991
Pupils from Russells Hall Primary School get a glimpse of the world of engineering during a visit to Simon Engineering on Pensnett Road, Dudley, as part of the Technology Tree scheme. Pictured are Bonita Moulton, Bobbie Lowe, Scott Gwilliams and Stephen Leadbetter, exploring skills and careers that could shape their future. | Picture: Express & Star
12. Black Country Anti-Poll Tax Federation Protest, 1991
In February 1991, campaigners demonstrated outside the homes of three Black Country Labour leaders in Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley because the Councils had agreed to use bailiffs to seize goods of non-payers. The photograph shows the demonstration outside Fred Hunt's Dudley home. | Picture: Express & Star