Fears over future of brewery

A landmark brewery in Oldbury may have to be demolished following a devastating fire, it was feared today.

See also: Fire at Langley Maltings Factory

Conservation officers and staff from English Heritage have been at the site of the stricken Langley Maltings factory to see if it can be salvaged.

The 130-year-old building in Oldbury, which is Grade II listed, was ravaged by fire on Tuesday night.

The former brewery which dates back to the 1870s, is on council's at risk register of vulnerable buildings. But its future is now in doubt.

Dr Terry Daniels, from Langley Local History Society, said: "There is a lot of damage, I don't know what the future holds for it.

"I would think that it would take English Heritage to show a real interest to actually save it from demolition."

Sandwell Council's regeneration boss Councillor Bob Badham said: "It's a dreadful shame this building has been gutted by fire.

"A council building inspector was on site yesterday and has returned today to take photographs and record the damage.

"We have contacted English Heritage about the situation and we will be working closely with them in the future."

He added: "There is a planning process which must be followed with regard to any work on listed buildings, such as making structures safe, demolition or rebuilding."

The building shut in 2006 and was sold on at auction two years ago for £1 million.