IT is said that the soon-to be replaced statues on the the parish church were blackened by the smoke produced from light industry in and around Blackjack Street, writes Robert Heaven.

Back then, and up until the 1960s, much of local industry was located within the confines of the town until it all moved to Love Lane and beyond.

All sorts of things have been made in Cirencester including plastic baths, caravans, electronics and timing devices.