A FIRE ripped through a former antiques shop in Cradley last night (Friday).
The blaze at the controversial row of derelict shops started at 11pm and firefighters spent over two hours putting it out.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "The fire was at the rear of a take away in Colley Gate and we received the initial call at 11.04pm.
"Three fire engines, from Cradley Heath, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge fire stations attended the scene and two hose reel jets were used."
He added: "Officers returned to the property at 6am to check the fire had been safely put out."
Cradley and Wollescote Councillor Richard Body has previous called for the shops to be fenced of and condemned.
"I warned the council about this happening, what more can we do.
"We have put up with this for over two decades and the council has to do something."
He added: "The council has been warned - if anyone is injured or killed the council will at least be partly to blame."
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