Security stepped up a fire-hit derelict Sandwell college building
Security is to be stepped up at a fire-hit former college building after council bosses demanded its owners take action.
Around 20 firefighters tackled a blaze at the site in Crocketts Lane, Smethwick, on Saturday.
The derelict building has become a target for arsonists since closing four years ago and it was the fourth time in just over a year fire crews had been called to the site.
The latest fire proved to be the final straw for bosses at Sandwell Council, who laid down an ultimatum to its owners that they either secure the site or the authority would do it for them and send them the bill.
The owners have now agreed to carry out improvements, including securing doors, installing better fencing and clearing debris in the buildings. The roof will also be repaired.
Councillor Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure, said: "We are very concerned at the rapid deterioration of these buildings which are in a conservation area and need to be preserved. One of the buildings is grade II listed, so it's part of our heritage.
"The situation has become so serious that we told the owners we would do the work needed and bill them for it if they didn't take urgent action, but I am pleased to report that the owners have confirmed they will be starting work on site tomorrow.
"Hopefully this will provide the necessary security to preserve these important buildings and allay public concerns about the site."
The college building was once part of Sandwell College but closed when college courses were centralised by the opening of a £77 million campus in West Bromwich in 2012.
It has attracted interest from developers over the last couple of years, with homes among suggested future uses for the site.
Flames ripped through the building's roof and thick smoke billowing into the sky after the building went up at around 10pm on Saturday.
The fire took hold in the building's upper floor but was eventually brought under control by firefighters. Fire engines with hydraulic platforms were used to allow crews to tackle the flames from above.
And Crocketts Lane was closed while the blaze was extinguished.
