Historic hall hit by blaze

Fire crews were called out to tackle a blaze at an historic 18th century Black Country hall today.

Smoke was seen billowing from the dilapidated Corngreaves Hall in Cradley Heath shortly before 7.30am.

Two fire engines from Cradley Heath and Halesowen were sent to the scene and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were sent in to investigate the incident.

They found a small, smouldering rubbish fire in a room on the first floor of the Grade II listed building.

The hall has been left derelict for many years.

It is believed to be used by squatters and has been targeted by metal thieves and vandals.

Its future has been up in the air since being listed for sale on an internet auction site by Sandwell Council last summer.

The West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust (WMHBT) has been campaigning for years to convert the derelict hall inside Corngreaves Hall into flats but its bid was rejected by the council.

A private buyer for the hall is now being sought on the open market.

The bill for the repairs and conversion of the building, though, is expected to be around £3 million, which could put many off.