West Bromwich restorations to be spared from cuts

A range of restoration projects planned for the historic heart of West Bromwich will go ahead despite the impact of Government spending cuts.

The centre of West Bromwich is already a conservation area with work continuing as 'a matter of course' and there are plans to add to regeneration work already under way.

Sandwell Council conservation officer Alison Bishop revealed she would like to target a 'cluster of buildings' including West Bromwich's Town Hall, the central library, the West Bromwich Institute on Lodge Road, the old Magistrates Court and the Ryland School, on Lodge Road which is already listed.

The plans, outlined in May this year, were to include internal repairs and restoration to make the most of the architecture in that area of the town.

Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell's finance chief, said the council would forge ahead with plans, despite the current climate of the Tory/Lib Dem coalition's cutbacks.

Councillor Jones added: "Clearly financial cuts are a limiting factor across the board but there is still work we can do.

"We are trying to expand the use of West Bromwich Town Hall and have already set up a comedy club venue there."

The council must secure listed status and ensure it owns all the buildings in that historic quarter before it can begin restoration projects however, Councillor Jones said.

"The council's conservation officer is currently also working on getting listed building status for West Bromwich Institute in Lodge Road," he added.

"Repairs to old buildings which crop up will be done as a matter of course, even though they will have an impact on the budget."

The potential works works would be in addition to current projects to restore Lightwoods House on Adkins Lane in Smethwick.

West Bromwich's Manor House has meanwhile been restored to its former glory with a £500,000 refurbishment.