The town centre began to decline in the 1960s, partly because many people shopped further afield, in Walsall, Bilston, Wednesbury, or Wolverhampton, and because of the many empty shops awaiting the forthcoming redevelopment.
King Street

The top of King Street in the late 1970s, before redevelopment. The Dog and Partridge pub has gone, and many of the shops are derelict. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.

A similar view on a wet Sunday morning showing the signs on the empty shops stating that the building had been acquired, and would soon be demolished as part of the forthcoming redevelopment.


The once familiar shops, now empty, awaiting demolition.


Another view of the same shops with High Street on the left.

Another view of King Street in the late 1970s. The shops in the previous photograph are gone, and many of the old shops on the left are derelict. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.


The same shops, now empty and awaiting demolition. Courtesy of the late Howard Madeley.


More demolition in King Street. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.

Looking across High Street into King Street as the demolition continues. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.


The last days of the old, short-lived Darlaston Market. Courtesy of the late Howard Madeley.


The empty Burton's shop and the ballroom above, awaiting demolition.


The whole area becomes a building site. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.

Another view of the building site, and the pile of structural steelwork in readiness for the original ASDA store. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.

The corner of New Road and High Street, slowly disappearing as building work progresses. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.

Another view looking across what was New Road towards King Street. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.
High Street


The old High Street nears the end of its life. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.


The same view a little later as dereliction and demolition takes over.


The view in the opposite direction.


The empty buildings awaiting demolition.


The old Salvation Army Citadel at the end of its life.

Looking into New Road from High Street as the never-used shops were demolished. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.
Pinfold Street


The Bull Stake after the opening of St. Lawrence Way.


 The derelict Black Horse pub awaiting demolition.


The partly demolished Pinfold Street Wesleyan Methodist Chapel and minister's house.
The ASDA Building Site


The ASDA building site seen from St. Lawrence Way. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.


Another view of the building site in 1978. Taken by Richard Ashmore. Courtesy of John & Christine Ashmore.
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