Dudley North MP Ian Austin is calling on the West Midlands Fire Authority to drop its plans to sell the site of Sedgley Fire Station for a new housing development.

Last month the Fire Service placed the site on the market after outline planning permission was granted for the development of eight properties. 

Instead Austin wants to see the building made available to the local community. He is urging the Fire Authority to change their minds and consider alternative uses for the site that would benefit local people. He is particularly keen to see it turned into a community centre or a youth centre.

The Tipton Road fire station closed in November 2008 despite a campaign backed by local MP Austin which saw 12,000 people signing a petition protesting against its closure.  Fire Authority representatives suggested at the time that the building could be retained for community use.

Ian Austin said:

“We need to see improved facilities for young people in the area. This site has a lot of potential and I’m pressing West Midlands Fire Authority to make it available to the local community, ideally as a youth centre.    

“The Councillors and senior officers in charge of the Fire Authority at the time ignored local people’s views and pushed the sale through. Now the Authority has the chance to redeem itself. It should hand the site over and put it to good use – as an asset for the local community.”