A NEW artillery shell could soon take pride of place back in Shell Corner – helping the area to live up to its name once again.

An unexploded First World War German artillery shell took pride of place on Long Lane after the First World War, before disappearing in the 1970s.

However, Halesowen North councillor Stuart Henley has organised a replacement to be installed in the area and the freshly painted shell – designed by Halesowen College staff Cliff Collins and Colin Burchill – is going on display in Long Lane until December 20, before moving to the Fixed Wheel Brewery.

Cllr Henley, who is hoping to raise £8,000 to return a shell to its rightful home, said: “I’m glad that it will be on display at the library and hope it will attract many people to view the shell and research the history of the area.

“Hopefully it will promote the project and help raise funds to make it happen.

“There has been a great response from local businesses and residents regarding this project. Many are looking forward to its installation.

“The artist that carried out the artwork on the shell have done a magnificent job and worked to my ideas and sketches perfectly. A big thank you to them and the college for taking on this project.”

To donate to the project visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/returnoftheshell.