FORMER factory workers are remembering the workplace which put a village on the map 90 years on.

Silver End was founded by Crittall Windows in 1926 as business owner Francis Henry Crittall wanted to expand.

Peter Gray, a former worker at the factory, recalled memories of his time there.

Mr Gray, from Braintree Road, said: "I started work there as an apprentice when I was 15 and left there when I was 25.

"It was good in the fact the wages were good but for the first few weeks my ears were ringing - it was so noisy, it was unbelievable.

"It was just enormous, everything was going on in the same place and I couldn't believe it when I first went there."

Earlier this year a reunion of former workers met, as the village celebrated 90 years.

Jacqueline Nesbitt secretary at the silver end heritage society, said: "Everybody that has ever lived in Silver End has a tale to tell about working at the factory and how the factory looked after everybody.

"There is an oral history at the Essex Records Office with 75 hours worth of people talking about it.

"It's still remembered greatly, nobody forgets the factory. Parts still stand there and it's a constant reminder.

"Some parts from 1926 are still there but hardly visible."

Silver End councillor James Abbott said the factory had made the community as self sufficient as possible.

He said: "The closure of the factory was a sign of the times – growing globalisation causing the decline of major manufacturing in the UK.

"Locally there used to be Crittall works in Witham and Braintree as well as Silver End. Following several changes and reorganisations, there is still a Crittall works in Witham though on a new site.

"Although some of the aspects of the Model Garden Village community have been lost over the years, Silver End still enjoys generally good facilities for a village of its size.

"But it is a strong priority now to bring the old factory site back into use as it has remained derelict for too long. There is wide support in the community to redevelop the site, for local housing but also hopefully to secure some local employment such as starter units for small businesses and to improve parking .

"The last standing section of the factory, which includes the Powerhouse, could be converted for community use such as a village museum and meeting place."

It was welcome news recently when Braintree Council confirmed the owners of the site had approached the council about its future.