Cradley Heath's Old Hall set for repairs

Thousands of pounds in funding to maintain an historic hall will be set aside by Sandwell Council.

Council chiefs have diverted £17,500 to cover renovations at Haden Hill's Old Hall in Cradley Heath, which dates back to the Tudor era. The money will come from the authority's property maintenance account.

The Victorian stable block at the Halesowen Road hall could meanwhile be put up for sale in a bid to protect the building.

The block, which has lain empty for decades, includes four stables, tack rooms, coach house, workshop and grooms' accommodation.

Councillor Ann Shackleton, the culture and leisure boss, said: "I met with the friends of the hall last week and they were over the moon." It is not listed but she promised to look at options to maintain its facade and history.