PENSIONERS living opposite Oldbury Academy are furious they were left in the dark about this morning's bomb scare.

Residents in the Barlow Homes complex on Pound Road had to hear the news from pupils who were turned away from the school this morning.

John Aston, 76, said: "Everyone is safe and that is the most important thing but we never get told what is going on with the school.

"I've lived here nine years now and nothing like this has happened, it makes you think what kind of world we are living in."

Another pensioner, who did not want to be named, said: "No-one told us anything, we saw all the police outside but only found out from the children.

"We should have been told officially what was happening by the school especially as there was a threat of a bomb and we live so close.

"But we never get told anything, because we are old no-one cares."

Sandwell Council released a statement concerning the school closures.

"Three Sandwell schools were evacuated this morning after receiving bomb scare calls.

Sandwell Council is working with West Midlands Police.

"The schools are Holly Lodge, Bristnall Hall and Oldbury Academy.

There is no suggestion of any other threat to other schools in Sandwell.

"Parents are being reassured everything is being done to ensure the safety of the children and there is no reason to panic.

"Primary schools are not affected."