IT is their Village in the Sky.

Although much maligned since their arrival onto the British skyline in the ’50s and ’60s, the tower block, or block of flats, has evolved into cohesive successful communities in so many cases.

That is certainly true of Millbrook Towers, which this week celebrates its Golden Jubilee.

It was 50 years ago that the first residents moved into the Southampton landmark flats. Since then, from their homes above the city, they have witnessed great changes and tumultuous times.

Where some similar tower blocks have failed and been razed to the ground, at Millbrook the flats have provided homes for hundreds of families, and continue to do so today.

This week will see the current residents, many of them having lived there for decades, celebrate their jubilee. In essence they will be celebrating the success of their community against a few odds and forged and formed very much by themselves.

A Village in the Sky indeed. Happy birthday Millbrook Towers.