A DERELICT restaurant has been severely damaged after a fire broke out yesterday (Sunday June 23).

West Midlands Fire Service sent 13 firefighters to the old Page Arms in Market Street after receiving reports of a blaze at 4.47pm.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "We sent two fire engines and one brigade response vehicle. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and a hydraulic platform."

The first floor of the dilapidated two-storey property and the roof suffered 50 per cent damage, he said.

A plan to turn the eyesore town centre building into 19 apartments was approved earlier this year.

Dudley Council planners gave approval in January for a scheme which would see the original traditional frontage of the building and a matching extension retained - with modern extensions to the front and rear demolished and a four-storey extension facing Drury Lane added.