Council issues major update on Crooked House after pub destroyed in 'arson'
The local council has issued an update on The Crooked House pub after it burned down as police launch an arson investigation.
The Crooked House was an 18th century pub in Himley, West Midlands and was renowned for its distinctive 16 degree slant. This attracted punters from all over the world to see its seemingly wonky doorways and the optical illusion where marbles rolled uphill along the bar.
However, after a break in around the new year, the pub was shut, before owners Marstons announced it had been sold. New buyers Carly and Adam Taylor, who live in a gated community in Leicestershire, near Lutterworth, snapped up the pub but shortly afterwards it was gutted by a fire.
New pub boss Carly Taylor
Police forensics teams have been working over the remains of the pub this week (BPM MEDIA)Police have since announced that they are investigating the blaze as arson, but just two days later, the remains of the pub were demolished. However, South Staffordshire Council came out slamming the knockdown job, outlining how they had given limited permission for a few elements to be taken down.
They are now investigating whether it was done illegally before today, the council issued in an update today. Leader of South Staffordshire Council, Cllr Roger Lees said: “We’d like to thank Andy Street and his team for their time in meeting with us yesterday and their full support for the approach being taken by South Staffordshire Council.
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The remains of The Crooked House pub after the fire and it being knocked down (Birmingham Live/BPM MEDIA)“Our officers continue to work to explore all options in relation to the building and planning breaches at the Crooked House. I want to assure all interested parties that this case is absolutely a key priority for our officers and we are committed to working in partnership with all relevant parties on this important matter.
“We urge people to stay away from the site and to allow the council, the police, and other agencies the space to focus on the important tasks in hand."
Cllr Lees previously outline how the “agreed course of action” was limited to the specific removal of just “three elements of the first-floor front elevation only”. This was done for safety reasons, to avoid weak parts of the structure from falling and “at no point did the council agree to the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary,” he said.
He added: "This council finds the manner in which the situation was managed following the fire completely unacceptable and contrary to instructions provided by our officers." He made the latest statement following a meeting with West Midlands mayor Andy Street, who previously demanded the pub was rebuilt brick-by-brick, echoing the passionate sentiment of locals.
In a letter, signed with local leaders, Mr Street demanded that the blaze should not be allowed to be the end of The Crooked House. He added: “We therefore ask you consider ensuring the property is rebuilt brick by brick (using as much original material as possible) before any further discussions about the future of the site take place. We are aware the Crooked House has only very recently been sold by Marston’s to a private developer with the intention of the site being used for ‘alternative use’.
“However, our understanding is any alternative use would have to be approved by your council’s planning department or committee, and so we would therefore ask you to strongly consider not allowing any alternative use and instead keeping this iconic location as a pub.”
Earlier this week, Staffordshire Police said they were investigating “all of the available evidence” as they announced they were looking into the blaze, which took place on the evening of Saturday, August 5. One officer said firefighters' efforts to put out the fire were hindered by mounds of dirt in the road leading to the pub.
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