TWO years after the controversial closure of Halesowen Fire Station, its replacement in Cradley Heath officially opened with a fun day last weekend.

Protesters failed in their legal challenge to stop the Hagley Road station being shut down in April 2012 and the reduction from two fire engines to one.

The iconic 1930s Municipal Buildings in Barrs Road were demolished to make way for the £3 million replacement Haden Cross community station and the development has also included the closure of the Mace Street station, Old Hill, which covered Cradley Heath.

But fire service bosses did make a concession to the objectors by making the new station multi-bay , a feature Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris welcomed.

The Conservative MP, who had fought against the closures, attended the opening and said: “I still believe that one fire engine isn't enough for the whole area and am pleased that the fire authority have kept their promise to have space at Haden Cross so that we could have more engines in the future.”

He added it was "great to see" the new station open and described the turnout for the fun day as "incredible".

Chief fire officer Phil Loach said: “The Barrs Road site was chosen to help us achieve our risk-based, five-minute attendance time for serious incidents when life or property is in danger.

“The same professional crews who turn out from the new station on blue lights and sirens also work hard to build and maintain their strong local links, providing a valuable community service that goes far beyond responding to emergencies.”

Retired retained firefighter Ron Rushton, aged 87, who served until 1973 at Old Hill fire station, cut a ribbon as part of Saturday’s opening ceremony.

A plaque was also unveiled at the Haden Cross site by Mr Loach and, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority chairman Councillor John Edwards.

Invited guests toured the building and scores of people turned out for the family fun afternoon with fire safety displays and fire prevention information available.

Local schoolchildren who took part in a competition to help name the new station were also invited to look around.

Entertainment was provided by Black Country Community Radio and members of the Young Firefighters’ Association and Sea Cadets showcased their skills.

Attractions included a giant inflatable and carousel, food and refreshments and opportunities to buy merchandise to support The Fire Fighters Charity.

Fire authority chairman John Edwards said: "We’re delighted to have fulfilled our promise to the people of Cradley Heath and Halesowen in providing this wonderful new community facility. The new station is much, much more than an operational base for our fire crews.

“By providing a brand new community fire station we can also deliver a first class emergency response, complemented by a wide range of fire prevention and protection services.

“It’s these services that help to drive down emergencies, vulnerability and risk, and which help us to deliver the five-minute emergency response that we know our communities value so highly.”

The purpose-designed building will be home to a learndirect online and adult learning centre. A community room is also available, accommodating groups of up to 60 people for meetings and events