Hope building could become homes base

A decision on whether to bring an eyesore derelict building in Wednesbury town centre back into use will be made later this year.

The former Black Country Carvery Restaurant in Union Street has stood empty for around six years and is currently cordoned off.

The building had been initially been earmarked for demolition, but it is now hoped it will be converted into the new base for Sandwell Homes in the town. The organisation was forced to move into a temporary cabin in High Bullen when its former office was bulldozed to make way for the town's new Morrisons superstore.

Adrian Scarrott, director of housing services at Sandwell Homes, said: "We are currently considering a number of options in conjunction with Sandwell Council with regards to establishing a permanent location for the Wednesbury neighbourhood office including existing properties and new build options.

"Union Street, Wednesbury, is one of the locations under consideration but a decision is not expected until later this year."

Other options for the new Sandwell Homes base included a new single-storey building in Union Street, facing the proposed new public square. But last year a planning application was turned down by the council after being criticised for its poor design.