Future of Oldbury site still in limbo

The future of the site of a former landmark building in Oldbury is still in limbo more than a year after it was gutted by arsonists.

Campaigners have called for the Sandwell Council-owned site of the old Langley Hall in Vicarage Street to revert to a base for the 888 Oldbury Squadron Air Training Corps.

However, councillors have stalled over the future of the site since the hall was demolished, despite a 2,000-name petition calling for it to be handed to the Air Training Corps.

Corps spokesman Officer Cadet Jarrod Williams said: "The squadron has grown to more than 100 cadets despite being close to closure 10 years ago.

"We are in desperate need of land with cadets having to travel by minibus or even walk up to three miles to complete activities at the Oldbury TA centre.

"We have pleaded with the council for a decision but we have not had any response. We have 100 cadets aged 13-20 who are desperate for space."

The site had been set to become the Langley Islamic Culture Centre until arsonists struck in June last year, causing £50,000 worth of damage.