Lye Cross sign is being restored to its former glory

Comprised of individual letters, the metal sign has been on the landmark block of shops and flats at Lye Cross for as long as most locals can remember – more than half a century – but it had seen better days.

The O went missing around a decade ago but was eventually returned to Lye after talk on social media that a woman in Halesowen had offered it for sale. An online row erupted and shortly afterwards the sign was dropped off, free of charge, at Lye's oldest pub The Holly Bush.

Following its return community campaigner Craig Lees vowed to have it put back in its rightful place.

In the meantime, unaware the original O was still in existence, Conservative party campaigner Kamran Razzaq had already solicited help to create and install a replacement which although not a perfect replica at least gave Lye Cross its O back.

However – the remaining original letters took a battering during stormy weather which left the C hanging off and the Y dislodged.

It was clearly time for action.

Craig said a chat with local artist Chris Oxenbury inspired him to "get back on the case and sort the sign out" so they decided to take matters into their own hands and with a little help from Stephen David, who took along a set of the ladders, the letters were taken down.

Craig said: "They were in a really sorry state. Fifty-five years of Black Country grime and weather has taken its toll."

After a Facebook plea Jonathan Allen from Broad Arrow Classic Cars offered to restore the letters to their original glory – free of charge.

Craig told the News: "Jon, like me, has a passion and love of The Lye and wanted to do his bit.

"The letters look like like a white face on a burgundy relief but on close inspection he revealed they are actually white face on pillar box red relief.

"He’s part way through the restoration and the whole sign will be soon as good as new probably even better. His workmanship is fantastic.

"This has been a wonderful team effort that started with me getting the original O that had been missing for over 10 years handed in to The Hollybush pub to getting the letters all reunited and restored.

"I must thank Gary Farmer of Poshkutz, artist Chris Oxenbury and Jon at Broad Arrow Classic Cars – all in the Lye– for their efforts into helping The Lye back to its feet and being a proud place once more.

"The gateway to The Lye as you drive through or stop for a pint in The Windsor Castle will look fabulous once more."

Jon, who has been in the car restoration business since 1990, said he hopes to have the work complete this week and he added: "It would be nice to have them up for Christmas."