Historians anger at plans to demolish World War II US forces

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Historians anger at plans to demolish World War II US forces postal depot in Sutton Coldfield

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MILITARY historians are angry at plans to demolish a unique piece of Second World War heritage to make way for new houses.

The postal depot in Upper Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield, was built by the American forces in 1942 after they joined the war and sorted every letter and parcel sent from the USA to troops stationed in the UK and Europe.

But despite having the protection of a Grade II listing from English Heritage, Royal Mail wants to tear down the building to make way for new housing.

Military historians Martin and Frances Collins, from Great Barr, successfully campaigned for the preservation of the building seven years ago and are now angry that a demolition planning application has been submitted.




Martin said: “We are hugely dismayed that the Royal Mail would consider demolishing such a unique historic building, the only one of its kind in the country.”

The Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group is calling on the Royal Mail to restore the building instead of demolish it.

Spokesman Roger Lea said: “This has been listed because of its historic importance to both the US military and shows the significance of Sutton Coldfield as a centre of communications during the Second World War.

“Owners of historic buildings have a responsibility to look after them. We do not believe any listed building should be demolished.”

But Royal Mail, which has used the sorting office since the Americans left in 1945, claims that the building would cost £2 million to repair and is no longer fit for purpose.

It points out that another listed building on the Upper Clifton Road site, an 1879 railway goods shed, would be retained.

A spokesman said: “Royal Mail’s proposals include; redevelopment of the surplus land for family housing, retention and sensitive refurbishment of the derelict listed Victorian goods shed for office use and the demolition of the listed 1942 industrial delivery office.

A new modern Royal Mail Delivery Office would be built on the site with vastly improved customer facilities and will incorporate a new heritage centre. This will be open to the public and will record, display and celebrate the history of the site and the buildings.

“This is an essential redevelopment that will not only provide much needed new facilities, but will also ensure employment and Royal Mail’s presence within Sutton Coldfield is retained.”

Public consultation on the plans for the demolition and construction of 51 houses runs until March 31.

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"A new modern Royal Mail Delivery Office would be built on the site with vastly improved customer facilities"