Anger on plans for West Bromwich horse pound

An historic horse pound in Sandwell is set to be bulldozed after becoming a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

The 200-year-old site in West Bromwich was used to round up stray animals in days gone by, but has since fallen into disrepair and become a meeting spot for gangs of youths.

Following complaints by residents, Sandwell Council has announced it is now proposing to demolish the site under plans which have provoked outcry from members of West Bromwich Local History Society.

The site consists of the brick walls of the pound, which used to sit next to the Ring O' Bells pub.

It is understood residents in Arlington Road have received letters from Sandwell Council saying the walls will be removed after a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour.

They have until Friday to register their objections.

Mrs Moreen Wilkes, chair of the history society, who is fighting the plans, said: "The horse pound has been neglected and downgraded over the years and the walls aren't very high.

"There's been a complaint from residents that youths are sitting on it late at night and the council is saying unless they receive sufficient objections then it will be demolished, so another piece of West Bromwich history bites the dust."

Mrs Wilkes added: "It was right next to the Ring O' Bells and we used to say that was where you bought beer by the pound, because it was a pub next to the pound.

"All the people who live round here know it."

West Bromwich historian Terry Price is backing the history society and added: "I know that any dedicated West Bromwich person will be up in arms about this, it is such an historical site."

Councillor Derek Rowley, for neighbourhood services, said: "There are arguments for and against repairing and/or removing the wall around the pound and a consultation is under way.

"We will listen to what everyone has to say before taking any decision."