Clean up operation at Staffordshire bar near Wolverhampton wrecked in blaze

A clean up operation has started at a popular bar near Wolverhampton that was wrecked in a kitchen fire as an online crowdfunding appeal has been launched to help the business get back on its feet.

Around 25 firefighters from stations across the region tackled the smoke at Charlie’s Sports Bar, in Wood Road, Codsall, on Saturday afternoon( August 22).

Crews were called out shortly by the staff shortly before 4.45 following an incident in the kitchen space. Due to smoke-logging the neighbouring Pet Stop shop is closed until further notice.

Charlie’s proprietor Jordan Diver told the Express & Star: “We are all safe and bringing the community together to start the rebuild of Charlie’s.”

He also posted on Facebook: “ Thank you everyone for all of your kind messages of compassion and care. I’m amazed at how much we have moved on today.

“We will be back bigger than ever.”

Meanwhile Codsall resident Curtis Ellis has set up an online collection which has so far generated around £3,000 of the £5,000 target with the help of more than 40 donors as of Sunday.

Curtis stated on Go Fund me: “Jordan, Alexia and team have lost their beloved pub and entire livelihood following a devastating fire that started inside the premises. Everything they had worked so hard to build has been destroyed, leaving them facing an incredibly difficult and uncertain future.

“This crowdfunder has been created to help them recover from this heartbreaking loss. The money raised will support themselves and staff with the enormous costs of starting again, replacing essential equipment and stock, and keeping them afloat while they work out what comes next.

“The pub was more than just a business. It was the result of years of hard work and a valued part of the local community. Any donation, however small, will make a genuine difference.”

To donate visit the website Go Fund Me.