Halesowen fire station will close

A Black Country fire station will close as part of moves to merge it with a neighbouring site, it has emerged. Halesowen station is set to be axed despite a campaign to save it.

The merger of the station with Cradley Heath was first agreed two years ago but plans were put on hold amid concerns from the public.

Over the last few months fire service bosses have revived the plans with a consultation launched on a new move to also axe one of the two 24-hour crews based at both stations.

Campaigners have been urging the fire service to retain both stations as they fear the merger would leave the area poorly protected in an emergency.

However, bosses said they were sticking to their original plans.