The former estate office in Pensnett has been declared surplus to requirements – but council bosses have promised to look at community uses for the building before demolishing it and selling off the land.

The office on the corner of Commonside and Birbeck Place closed in January after serving residents for many years as an outlet to pay bills. Dudley Council housing bosses are keen to make a decision on the future of the site before it becomes a target for vandals.

Interested community groups have three months to make proposals for its use to stop it being included in the land disposals programme.

It is likely the building will be demolished and the land sold for housing.

Housing boss, Councillor Mike Evans, said: “Interest in the lease of the building has been received from The Lookout Project, who are a local group working with young people and the wider community in the Pensnett and Brockmoor area.

“They have indicated that they would like a lease of the building for a drop-in centre and a base for detached youth work.

“It is intended to set a deadline of three months for considering proposals for community use, so that the building does not stand empty and potentially attract vandalism and nuisance.”

The estate office was discussed at a Brierley Hill area committee meeting in January shortly after it closed, along with other similar facilities in Shell Corner, Halesowen, Quarry Bank and Netherton.

Members recommended it be declared surplus for requirements, but asked for it to be retained for a short period in case it could be kept for community use.

Previously 18 other local housing offices were closed to allow for “development and improvement of housing services.”