The historic Langley Maltings on Western Road have been severely damaged by a large roof fire, nearly destroying the 130 year old building.
60 firefighters in 15 fire engines from stations across the Black Country and Birmingham fought all night to put out the flames at the Grade II listed building. An investigation is underway as to the cause of the fire.
West Midlands Fire Service spokesman Dave Burton was quoted in the Express and Star as saying, the morning after the fire: “It was noticed by security guards on their routine …

RECYCLER the rapping robot popped into an Oldbury school as part of a borough-wide tour of primary schools bringing the recycling message to life through his funky interactive show.
Pupils and teachers at St Hubert’s RC Primary were told all about the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle through his toe-tapping rap music.
Waste Watch’s education officer Shirley Barre said: “A visit from Recycler is a great way for young people to learn about how important it is to reduce waste and to recycle as much as possible.
“Joining in with Recycler’s rap …

Campaigners have threatened to protest outside a Black Country fire station in a last ditch bid to save it from the axe.  Around 40 residents, councillors and firefighters gathered at a public meeting last night to raise their objections.There are plans to shut Smethwick station as part of a shake-up of the fire service across the region.
But many of those who attended the meeting at the Fire Service Training Centre in Dartmouth Road in the town criticised the choice of venue, timing of the meeting and lack of publicity.
They called …