RESIDENTS living in Brierley Hill's Chapel Street flats are gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the landmark estate.

More than 700 tenants live on the estate, comprising 15 low and high rise blocks, which opened in 1965.

To mark the site's golden milestone anniversary - Chapel Street Tenants and Residents Association, Dudley Federation of Tenants and Residents Association, Dudley Council, Brierley Hill Civic Society and the Neighbourhood Learning Centre are organising a series of events.

Tenants and resident, some of whom have lived on the estate for the entire 50 years, held a get-together at Briar Court in Hill Street on Thursday May 14 to kick-start the celebrations - which will take place in late summer/early autumn and which will culminate in a big fun day on Saturday September 5.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, Dudley's cabinet member elect for housing, said: “There is a great community spirit at Chapel Street and many events are being planned by the tenants and residents association, councillors and the tenant participation team."

Originally built as part of the local authority's efforts to rid the area of slum housing, the flats have become an iconic sight in Brierley Hill and are one of the largest estates in the borough.

Those who have lived a lifetime on or around the estate are invited to share memories, stories and photographs from the last 50 years as part of the planned birthday celebrations.

Anyone interested can contact councillor Rachel Harris on 01902 490139 or email cllr.rachel.harris@dudleymbc.org.uk, or people can get in touch with the Chapel Street TRA via www.facebook.com/ChapelStreetEstateTRA