IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Foundry Lane, SMETHWICK, B66 2PD

Commercial X-Rays Smethwick, formerly the Morris Commercial Cars site http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php/49766-X-Ray-Gamma-Ray-Ltd-Smethwick-formally-Morris-Commercial-Cars

The building originated in the early 20th century as the head office of Morris Commercial Motors Ltd. Commercial X-Rays departed from the site in the 1990s, and after a period as a furniture warehouse, it is becoming steadily more derelict. Compare the amount of vegetation with this 2012 view https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3116905

West Midlands industrial scenery.

Although in a poor condition, the buildings are Listed Grade II* because of the extent of original Boulton and Watt buildings incorporated and underlying the site. After Avery's took over the ailing firm of James Watt & Co, they continued to use the name for the building of new steam engines and for the maintenance of existing engines built by the firm. The surviving name on the building was put up following the Avery takeover by their dynamic MD William Hipkins. Taken on the occasion of a guided tour of the site, which the tour organiser informed us would probably be the last time such a tour would be possible.

Although in a poor condition, the buildings are Listed Grade II* because of the extent of original Boulton and Watt buildings incorporated in and underlying the site. In addition, the site is a scheduled monument, the area of which extends to include the fenced area in the foreground to prevent disturbance of earlier foundations that are likely to survive. Note the remains of a railway turntable in the roadway in the foreground. A siding ran along the roadway with several turntables allowing wagons to be moved into the buildings alongside the roadway. Taken on the occasion of a guided tour of the site, which the tour organiser informed us would probably be the last time such a tour would be possible.

Typical west Midlands engineering site. The company specialises in crankshafts for the automotive industry.

The tram brought down the overhead lines at the start of the rush-hour. Passengers were evacuated by walking several hundred metres along the track. No assistance was given to the elderly, disabled or a woman with child and baby buggy. Problems didn't finish there as the main bus service runs along the Soho Roadanother 600m away.

Although in a poor condition, the buildings are Listed Grade II* because of the extent of original Boulton and Watt buildings incorporated in and underlying the site. In addition, the site is a scheduled monument, the area of which extends beyond the remaining buildings to prevent disturbance of earlier foundations that are likely to survive. The immediate area behind the fence is the site of the works power house where electricity was generated. Taken on the occasion of a guided tour of the site, which the tour organiser informed us would probably be the last time such a tour would be possible.

A tram departing from Handsworth (Booth Street) station.