Roy captures the moment as the Lyng evolves

Published by kerri smith for Lyng Community Association in Housing and also in Communities

A great-grandfather has chronicled the demolition and rebuilding of a West Bromwich estate which has been on his doorstep for decades.

Roy Winwood and wife Joan have now moved onto the estate as tenants of housing provider Lyng Community Association (LCA).

The eagle-eyed enthusiast has relinquished his bird’s eye view from the top floor flat of a high-rise block overlooking the Lyng in favour of a brand new ground floor home in the heart of the action.

The 76-year-old retired coach driver said: “It’s good to be here. It’s meaningful for Joan and me as we’ve seen so many changes in the 48 years we’ve lived on or around this estate.”

Mr Winwood was given a camera for Christmas some 12 years ago by his son. He has used it to capture the demolition of tower blocks and levelling of maisonettes - including his own home. Other memorable moments caught on camera include an air ambulance landing a stone’s throw from his window.

All the snaps have been processed and carefully displayed by Mr Winwood in an album with corresponding dates to record the events.

He added: “The Lyng is much better now; it’s getting back its old feel. It has been interesting watching it all go on around us – and I certainly know a lot about construction as a result!”

The Lyng is undergoing multi-million pound regeneration thanks to a partnership between Lyng Community Association, Sandwell Council and Barratt Homes that will result in new homes for sale and rent, supporting infrastructure, public open space and a children’s playground.

By the end of next year, community-focused landlord LCA will own 200 energy efficient, high quality homes for rent while Barratt Homes will continue building 250 properties for private sale.

Chris Withnall, General Manager of Lyng Community Association, said Roy’s photo archive was of great interest. “It’s an historical record and one we were very keen to look through. Roy’s done a brilliant job of charting progress of the estate’s transformation for more than a decade.”