Protest held as council deem demolition of Crooked House pub "completely unacceptable"
Dozens of people gathered at the site of the former 18th Century building on Tuesday night.
Last updated 7th Jan 2024
Dozens of people have gathered at a peaceful protest following the demolition of a landmark pub near Dudley.
The 18th century Crooked House in Himley was devastated by a fire on Saturday (5 August), and less than 48 hours later, completely demolished.
South Staffordshire Council said its officers had carried out a site visit on Monday, but had not agreed to "the demolition of the whole structure" or deemed that it was necessary.
Police and fire service experts are investigating the cause of the fire, which started two weeks after it was sold by brewer Marston's to a firm based in Warwickshire.
On Tuesday evening, dozens of people from the local community gathered at the site in protest at losing the iconic building.
In a statement, the leader of South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Roger Lees, said: "Our officers carried out a site visit to the site yesterday, prior to the demolition of the building.
"Officers agreed a programme of works with the landowner's representative to ensure the safety of the building and the wider site.
"The agreed course of action included the removal of three elements of the first-floor front elevation only. This was only to avoid the weak parts of the structure from falling.
"At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary."
"Our own investigation is in its early stages and whilst it continues at pace, we as ask for time to consider the facts thoroughly to ensure any future actions are meaningful and proportionate.
"The council is incredibly saddened by the loss of the building which, whilst not listed, was a heritage asset and important landmark to the local area and community.
"Over recent months, the council had been in conversation with the relevant national bodies regarding how best to protect and preserve this important heritage asset."
The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, is calling for the inn - known as "Britain's wonkiest pub" due to mining subsidence - to be rebuilt brick by brick and for a ban on any other future use for the site.
There have been multiple reports that mounds of dirt were blocking access roads to the pub after the fire started, something Mr Street confirmed in a letter to the police and fire services.
Staffordshire Police have said the force is progressing a number of lines of enquiry alongside South Staffordshire Council and continues to ask anyone with any information relevant to the inquiry to get in touch as soon as possible.
Chief Inspector Chris Cotton said: "We recognise the cultural heritage and significance of the building within communities in the area and we understand that people are concerned about what happened over the last few days.
"I'd like to reiterate that speculation into the cause of the fire is not helpful at this time.
"Officers have been working hard to examine all of the evidence available and continue to speak to members of the public who have been forthcoming with information which can help our investigation.
"A cordon was in place temporarily whilst we carried out inquiries at the scene, but, due to the unsafe structure of the building, officers were pulled back and the scene was stood down.
"Since then, the area has been in the care of the landowners."