Coroner's service will relocate to new home in Smethwick

Under the proposals the current coroners' headquarters based, in Crocketts Lane, will be sold off and the service relocated to the nearby Smethwick Council House, in High Street.

The changes are due to be approved at a meeting on Wednesday.

A report to the borough's asset management and land disposal cabinet committee, chaired by Councillor Mahboob Hussain states that it had been decided that the Coroner's service will operate from rooms at the front part of Smethwick Council House as its new permanent home.

The report adds that the sell-off will mean operating costs to the council will be reduced, it will generate income and avoid the site being subjected to vandalism and increased security costs.

It had initially been planned to give the borough's register office a £55,000 revamp and house the coroner's office there.

Plans had been announced to relocate the marriage room in the Grade II listed building, in Highfields, in West Bromwich High Street, to the current reception area, and then also use that area as the coroner's court.

The service was previously based in the register office and moved in 2008 to the current base, in Crocketts Lane, in Smethwick, due to the lack of space.

Councillor Hussain said: "The Coroner already uses the Council House and holds inquests there and there is room for full inquests and he is happy there and we are happy so the service is going to stay.

"The old coroners office will now be sold and marketed to be sold off."