Legal challenge over Halesowen fire station closure

A legal bid to overturn controversial plans to close a Black Country fire station and axe a 24-hour crew will go ahead after it was revealed lawyers will take up the case.

A judicial review is set to be launched over the decision to shut Halesowen fire station and cut the 24-hour crew which also serves Cradley Heath.

Campaigners have waited for two weeks for their legal team to work through papers and decide if there is a realistic chance of success. Lawyers say they believe there are grounds to challenge the West Midlands Fire Authority.

It is estimated that between £30,000 and £40,000 needs to be raised to fund the case – compared with the original £50,000 estimate.

Campaigners will start organising events and collections to generate the cash.

Lawyers are now waiting to receive papers from West Midlands Fire Authority before they can officially apply for the judicial review.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris is working with the Halesowen and Cradley Heath Fire Station Action Group, including local business and community leaders.

Mr Morris says staff are "extremely angry and determined not to let the issue rest". He said: "The message we have got back from the legal team is that there is a prima facie case and they are confirming that there are grounds for us to make a challenge."

The Fire Authority voted to go ahead with its plans despite a wave of protest from residents.

Following the decision, Halesowen Fire Station will close on March 31 and one of two 24-hour crews serving the town and Cradley Heath will be removed. Firefighters say a total of 56 staff between the two stations, including officers and ad-ministrators, will be vying for 28 posts at Cradley Heath.

By Adam Burling