Derelict yob haven to be demolished
A former nursing home in the Black Country is to be ripped down amid fears it is becoming a den for yobs.
The old Castleview Residential Home in Darlaston is being demolished following concerns it will be targeted by arsonists.
Yobs have been breaking into the site off Castleview Close, Moxley, causing damage and leaving a trail of litter. Bosses at Walsall Council have now agreed to pull down the building amid fears it will become a long-standing eyesore.
Despite the home being secured youths have still been getting inside and it is hoped that demolishing it will stop it becoming like the nearby former Moxley Arms pub.
Darlaston councillor Chris Bott said: "Kids are getting in through the roof and breaking down the fencing. It needs to be demolished otherwise it will turn into another Moxley Arms.
"It is not fit for purpose and the longer it stayed empty the worse things get. They are also putting themselves at risk."
The former council-run Castleview home was shut last year as part of changes to replace old people's homes with warden-controlled flats.
Housing 21, which closed the home, took control of council-run pensioner homes in February as part of a £38 million overhaul of care for the elderly.
The Moxley Arms, off the High Street, was left derelict for 10 years, before demolished after being targeted by arsonists. Up to 20 firefighters tackled a blaze in February last year.
Police had to divert traffic from the A41, the main route between Darlaston, Wednesbury and Wolverhampton, while it was put out.
Families said they had to put up with drug dealers and flytippers targeting the pub off the High Street for up to 10 years. There were also complaints of rats before it was pulled down last April.
