LONG lost streets are to be brought back to life thanks to an initiative by Middlesbrough’s William Lane Foundry, which dates back to 1862 and the area’s Victorian heyday.

Staff at the historic foundry have started the casting and sale of street signs commemorating the area’s lost streets as part of the firm’s latest history-inspired initiative.

The new street signs will be cast at the company’s Forty Foot Road-based facility using traditional production techniques.

Early signs that have already proven popular have included those commemorating the Cannon Street and St Hilda’s areas of Middlesbrough, whilst the Foundry have also received orders for signs for lost streets from across the region.

The production of the street signs will also see the Foundry team up once again with historian Dr Tosh Warwick, who will be researching memories and gathering stories of the old streets that will feature on the firm’s website and social media.

Vintage street signs commemorating Cannon Street and Suffield Street

Stuart Duffy, a director and stalwart of William Lane Foundry since 1977 said: “William Lane Foundry has a proud history and we are always looking at new ways to celebrate the area’s heritage.

“The idea to produce the signs arose from suggestions by members of local and national heritage groups such as the popular Facebook page ‘Memories of Middlesbrough’ and transport enthusiast societies.”

Made using traditional casting techniques, these heritage signs will provide a unique souvenir from Middlesbrough’s last surviving foundry all whilst supporting a local business at the heart of the area’s history.

Historian Dr Tosh Warwick added: “Street signs evoke a lot of meaning and memories associated with everyday life in these long-lost communities.

“We see street signs displayed in museums and visitor attractions and even in pubs as symbols of a bygone era and a link to a whole community and way of life.

“Although the streets have gone, the signs cast at William Lane Foundry offer members of the public a chance to reminisce and own a bit of history.

“Hopefully the street signs will help rekindle and encourage the sharing of memories and stories attached to the old streets and towns that have not been recorded so far.”

For further information visit www.williamlanefoundry.uk, email info@williamlanefoundry.uk or call 01642-242871.