Museum's trams at a standstill after theft

Trams and trolleybuses have ground to a halt at the Black Country Living Museum after metal thieves stole a section of overhead cabling.

Raiders sneaked into the attraction in Tipton Road during the middle of night and removed a stretch of copper electrical wiring from the tramway.

Museum bosses today said they were "very disappointed" by the theft, which has left the popular trams out of action.

Security has now been stepped up at the site to prevent further raids and a vintage coach service will replace the trams and trolleybuses, which also use the wires, while repairs to the line are carried out.

It is not yet know how much the work will cost.

Director of the museum's board of trustees Councillor Les Jones, who is also deputy leader of Dudley Council, said today he was "disgusted" by the theft, which took place during the early hours of Tuesday.

"It just shows the depths people will plumb to steal. Metal is pulling in a good price, which is why people have done it but it is a fairly risky thing to do. And it is taking a much-loved attraction away from the visitors to the museum. It is a great shame."

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Jaspreet Jagdev urged witnesses or anyone with information to call police on 0845 113 5000.