 By the time of the Second World War the mines of Brownhills , being amongst the oldest in the area , were largely exhausted , and following the nationalisation of the mining industry the final pit on the Common was closed in the 1950s . Following the demise of the coalfield the town experienced a severe economic slump , with many high street shops closing down . A wave of new development in the 1960s and 1970s saw a new shopping precinct planned , which it was claimed would incorporate a cinema , bowling alley , hotel and bus station and would completely revitalise the town . Despite the developers ' grandiose claims , the project was not a success and ultimately consisted solely of shopping units , many of which stood empty for up to five years . There was little further development in the 1980s and 1990s , and the feeling of the local council is that the town centre is in need of improvement . To this end the council has created a " Townscape Masterplan " for the redevelopment of the town . 
