ANGRY residents fear a "jewel in the crown" 150-year-old Brierley Hill landmark will be lost forever after being put up for sale by council chiefs.

On the doorstep of Saltwells Nature Reserve, Saltwells House off Pedmore Road, has been placed on the market by Dudley Council for £400,000.

Now, more than 1,000 worried residents have clubbed together to sign a petition against the plans.

But residents claim the run-down house has been left to ruin and should be used instead to promote borough wildlife or tourism.

Built by the Earl of Dudley in the mid 1800s, Saltwells House shut for the final time in July 2001 after being used as an education support unit to a children's home.

Dennis Rydes, who organised the petition and runs weekly walks around Saltwells Nature Reserve, said: "There is a fear factor at the moment. It's just a waiting game now.

"It's a sad state of affairs if it went. People in Dudley Wood feel the same, they would be sorry if the nature reserve was to go. Its a jewel in the crown.

"The home is disused, its been left in disrepair. It's a pity really how its been left to go."

Worried Stephanie Jackson, of Nottingham Way, said: "Its beautiful, wonderful. The council are trying to get rid of all our beauty spots and build flats everywhere.

"Dudley Council say its dilapidated but why can't they do this up? Its a great worry to us. I'm worried they will build a road through here. Saltwells House is in keeping with the nature reserve. I'm worried houses will be built here.

"It's a sin, just £400,000 for this."

A report to council law and property chiefs claims the boarded-up House needs "substantial repair and refurbishment" and "is currently in very poor condition" with demolition " considered a viable option".

Council chiefs insist any future developments on the site must be in keeping with the nature reserve and English Nature will be consulted on any applications.

The sale includes Saltwells House, front gardens, a back yard featuring car park spaces and the Saltwells wardens buildings.

The closing date for informal offers for the site is Friday March 28.

Concerned Dudley Wood councillor Bryan Cotterill said: "I'm against just flogging it off for the sake of it as it could be a foot in the door for the council. Its been left to decay.

"Where does it stop? It has to be stopped now."

Bullish cllr David Sparks said: "We will be fighting this.

"The building is falling down. They have said they don't have the money to restore it.

"I have said whatever happens its got to be in keeping with the nature reserve.

"Unfortunately we have a council that is determined to sell everything off that can bring in a fast buck. They are insistent on making money out of the communities facilities."

A Dudley Council spokesman said: "All offers should include proposals for the use of the site along with any provisional plans.

"The developer will be required to provide a new visitor centre, store and garage with appropriate car parking and turning space, close to the Saltwells Nature Reserve car park off Saltwells Lane.

"Any application would be subject to detailed planning consent, determined following the normal planning process."