Fire crews battling derelict Dudley care home engulfed by flames

The former Summerfield Care Home in Russells Hall is on fire again, this Bank Holiday Sunday night. 

Flames were seen from the derelict Wellington Road home around 9pm and the blaze got progressively worse. 

West Midlands Fire Service posted on social media at 10.30pm: "Fire crews are dealing with derelict building in Dudley.

"Crews from Dudley, Brierley Hill, Tipton and Hydraulic Platform from Oldbury in attendance at Wellington Road Dudley. 

Residents in the tower blocks overlooking the blaze posted pictures on social media.  

Stewart Gilbert posted on Facebook: "Once again, old care home on Wellington road. Avoid the road. 

Dudley resident Gaz Hall commented: "Can't be much left of it by now. Already smashed to bits and been on fire at least once a few months ago. Looking in a sorry state, pass it every day at work. I'm surprised it ain't been demolished."

The same building was set on fire in January last year,  and local residents have demanded better security at the property. 

The building was previously Summerfield Care Home, which closed closed down in 2012 after the Care Quality Commission found elderly residents living in worrying conditions which flouted health and safety regulations.     

In March 2017 a planning application to turn the building into a giant HMO was turned down Dudley Council.