Brewery is destroyed by inferno
A huge blaze has destroyed an historic Black Country brewery, wiping out more than 130 years of history.
A huge blaze has destroyed an historic Black Country brewery, wiping out more than 130 years of history.
More than 60 firefighters from stations across the Black Country and Birmingham battled through the night at the Grade II listed Langley Maltings factory in Western Road, Oldbury.
Security guards spotted flames inside the building shortly after 10.30pm yesterday and raised the alarm. Roads were cordoned off as crews battled to contain the flames at the derelict factory, while thick smoke billowed into the night sky.
Today around 35 firefighters were still at the scene, near to Langley Green train station, to ensure the fire was completely out and assess the damage.
An investigation is under way into how the blaze started and fire chiefs said arson has not been ruled out.
Crews from Oldbury and West Bromwich initially attended the call but as the blaze took hold they were joined by firefighters from across the West Midlands.
More than 15 fire engines were sent to the scene and three aerial appliances were used to fight flames leaping out of the ruins.
The listed brewery, which dates back to the 1870s, is currently on Sandwell Council's list of buildings which are at risk.
It was sold at auction for £1 million in March 2007 to D&S Enterprises Ltd, owned by Lehmber Singh and Harbhajan Singh Dhadday from West Bromwich.
It is believed that the site was set to be transformed into flats although as yet no planning application has been submitted for the plans.
Originally owned by Walter Showell as part of his Crosswells Brewery empire, the brewery was sold in 1957 to Ind Coope before being taken over by Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries in 2000. It shut in 2006.
West Midlands Fire Service spokesman Dave Burton said: "It was noticed by security guards on their routine rounds and quickly took hold.
"It was mainly involved in the upper floors of the three-storey brick building.
"The roof has all fallen inwards. Our priorities were to put water on it and to catch the run-off to reduce the environmental impact as best we could and protect any surrounding buildings that were there.
"Today we have one hydraulic platform and around 35 firefighters at the scene damping down.
"Investigations are ongoing about the cause of the fire."
Residents last night told of the moment the iconic three towers of the factory collapsed. Student Lyndsay Ward, aged 18, said: "All three towers were up in flames. Sparks from the flames were flying everywhere, it was quite scary."
Today Station Road in Langley Green was still closed both ways between Mill Lane and Thompson Road.
A diversion is in place via Langley Green Road, New Henry Street, Joinings Bank and Vicarage Road.
Restrictions are also affecting traffic using Western Road between Tat Bank Road and Crosswells Road.
By Lisa Wright
