Disused Midland college once again targeted by vandals

Two people were arrested following a break in at the Longlands School, in Stourbridge.

It is the latest in a line of break-ins at the Birmingham Metropolitan College-owned centre this year, including two arson attacks on the same night last month.

And it comes after additional metal fencing was put up at the entrances and security patrols stepped up to the site, which is surrounded by housing.

Margaret Scott, chairman of the Stourbridge Township Council, said: "It's a dreadful people are having to live with this on their doorstep.

"The building has been empty for too long and it is now becoming the target of vandals.

"I'm not just worried about the condition of the building, I'm also worried about the danger for houses nearby."

"Something needs doing to it, either pulling it down and replacing it with a development or some way of stopping people getting in."

A police helicopter was used to help arrest two people following the break in at the building in Brook Street on Tuesday night.

The two men were releas without charge after questioning.

Residents and neighbours today called for the former college building to be pulled down and replced with homes.

Sylvia Stephens, who runs Stephens Carpet Warehouse in Brook Street, said: "It is terrible. The building was a well-used site, but now it has been left for dead and we've got people breaking in all the time.

"We are hoping it will be pulled down and be replaced with a housing development.

"But these things can take some time."

Police said security was patrolling the site.

Sgt Andy Pugh said: "Officers have patrolled the location and have encountered a number of youths.

"The college and council have been contacted and informed of the issues at the location.

"The site has now been secured and security are patrolling the location. Officers will continue to monitor the location and liaise with security at the site."

The school opened in 1912, but closed in the early 1990s and was brought back to use by Stourbridge College.

It then closed for good three years ago following the opening of a new £12m creative arts complex in Brierley Hill.

Last year, Stourbridge College merged with Birmingham Metropolitan College. It is currently up for sale.

John Starmer, executive director of estates at Birmingham Metropolitan College, said: "We are taking steps to make sure that the mothballed Longlands site is more secure.

"We have stepped up our security patrols and our estates manager has been out to assess the site and speak to the residents.

"We've also been in touch with the local police to discuss the ongoing concerns that the community has about vandalism in the area and its impact locally.

"Residents should rest assured that we are listening very carefully to their concerns and will do what we can to work jointly with them to combat the problems experienced."