Social services bosses could team up with charity groups in Sandwell to find enough cash to replace a notorious children's home in trouble-hit Harvest Lodge.

Sandwell Council officers are drawing up urgent reports on how to finance replacement homes, with running costs of up to £500,000 a year yet to be found.

Children living in Harvest Lodge, in West Bromwich, were once named "The Wild Bunch" and police were called more than 1,000 times at year in the late 90s. However, its reputation has improved.

The Council has decided to spend £3million on shutting it next June. The children's home would be replaced with three smaller care homes at Cradley Heath, Smethwick, and Brandhall, which will house up to eight children rather than the 30 in Harvest Lodge.

Voluntary organisations such as Barnado's and NCH Action for Children are sought to collaborate with Sandwell Council providing their services to help disturbed youngsters to help cut costs.