There are fresh fears Sedgley fire station, which has been closed for more than a year, will never re-open after bosses refused to comment on its future.

The service has not ruled out permanent closure of Sedgley Community Fire Station which shut after the entire eight-strong retained crew was sacked. Seven were later reinstated.

When the Express & Star asked chiefs what was happening they would only say the station was currently closed, while seven of the eight reinstated firefighters were undergoing training.

Spokesman Mike Fox said: “Sedgley Fire Station is currently non-operational due to the retained personnel undergoing a period of retraining.

“Service provision and the level of risk in the Sedgley area are constantly under review, as they are across the West Midlands. Any proposals to alter service provision will be subject to a public consultation and a report to West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, which is responsible for making such decisions.” When asked if there were any proposals in the pipeline to alter service provision Mr Fox simply referred to the statement.

The station was closed last June when the crew was suspended following allegations of gross misconduct. All but one were re-instated last October.

Previously a West Midlands Fire Service union representative said the delay was due to the ongoing training of the part-time firefighters who have to fit it in with their other jobs.

Rachel Spittle is among residents concerned about the future of the station. “I was told the seven firefighters are undergoing training at present and that they are waiting to promote one of them so they can take charge of the vehicle and its crew,” she said.