A WOLLASTON councillor has promised to campaign against any further plans to turn a former care home into a private HMO run for profit.

Councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town, has spoken out after residents contacted him - with concerns after seeing activity on the former Rosemary Care Home site in Vicarage Road.

A plan to turn the disused care home into a 23-bedroom HMO (house of multiple occupation) was thrown out in December 2023 after hundreds of objections were lodged by residents concerned it could lead to an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour as well as exacerbating parking and traffic problems.

Campaigners breathed a sigh of relief after seeing off the scheme but, with activity noticed at the site in recent days, people in the area have been on high alert.

Cllr Tromans (Labour) said he was aware of fresh concerns about the site and its future and he pledged he would continue to oppose any proposed transformation of the care home into a private HMO run for profit.

He said of recent concerns: "Wollaston residents have been in touch with me recently to say that they have seen activity outside the former Rosemary Care Home on Vicarage Road.

“Naturally, this has prompted concerns from residents in the tight-knit community of Wollaston.

"I have approached Dudley Council and asked them to confirm if they are intending to bring forward proposals for the site.

“I look forward to being able to share an update with residents which brings clarity to the situation.

"Lessons need to be learnt from the last time a developer looked at this location and the community must be fully consulted on any proposals.

“I would like to make it clear to residents that I will not support any proposals for a large HMO run for profit."

Residents in Wollaston have also expressed fears about the future of the former Woodlands retirement home site on the corner of Bridle Road and Vicarage Road.

The site has been on the market for more than a year since the care home closed in spring 2023 but according to rightmove.com it has now been removed by the agent.