Leader “delighted” historic Crooked House pub will be rebuilt

The Crooked House suffered substantial damage in a suspected arson attack last year, and was then bulldozed days later.

But South Staffordshire Council has served an enforcement notice on the owners of the land, which orders them to rebuild the pub brick by brick within three years.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

“I am delighted that South Staffordshire Council has taken this decision.

“I wrote a joint letter to the authority with Dudley North MP Marco Longhi calling for a thorough investigation into what happened on that site, which is of course right on our border.

“I applaud the speed in which this investigation has been carried out, and the announcement made yesterday.

“The demolition caused a lot of upset and hurt in the local community and resulted in the loss of a historic pub loved by so many people.

“This enforcement notice is an important first step in getting that pub back, and that is fantastic news.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the campaigners who have given up their time to ensure this was not swept under the carpet, and they will continue to play an important role in the restoration of the site.”

The owners have 30 days to appeal against the decision.