Historic water trough is on the move

DUDLEY Council has confirmed plans to relocate a Grade II listed RSPCA animal drinking trough in Pensnett.

The trough was installed in 1912 as a drinking trough for the many horses, ponies and cattle who would have travelled through the area at the time.

It was also intended to be used as a drinking fountain for the children at the neighbouring school and was erected to commemorate the coronation of King George V. It is significant due to its links to the RSPCA, the world’s first animal welfare charity.

Now used as a decorative flower bed in-front of 155 High Street, it is at risk of significant damage due to vehicles driving too close to it.

It will be moved to a new site later this month, around five metres from the existing site, to the back of a pavement area close to fencing at St Mark C of E Primary School.

Listed Building Consent has been approved and the Historic England’s list entry will to be amended to reflect the revised location.

Work will start on-site from Monday, August 22, with access to businesses and highways unaffected. Work is expected to complete before pupils return to school in September.