A FORMER Halesowen mayor has joined calls for the restoration of an historical plaque in the town centre.

Alderman Ken Johnson was mayor in 1968-69 when the plaque detailing the history of the Laconstoone Stream and the bridge that crossed it was erected.

He was at the unveiling along with other councillors and officers when it was hung from a wall marking the spot where the ancient bridge crossed the stream linking High Street and Hagley Street.

Mr Johnson, aged 89, recalls it was the borough engineer of the time who had the idea for the plaque for the stream which had been culverted and runs under the shop and pavement.

He was unaware it had gone until reading in last week’s News that it had been taken into safekeeping by an off-duty Dudley Council employee who saw it lying on the ground.

“I would like to see it put back,” said Mr Johnson, backing other heritage campaigners who have called for its restoration on a Facebook page called Halesowen Past and Present Day.

A council spokesman said funding to repair the plaque and a suitable location to hang it were still being sought.