Demolition of The Crooked House deemed 'wrongful' after iconic pub torn down
The destruction of The Crooked House has been deemed a wrongful demolition.
South Staffordshire Council has said the total destruction of iconic pub, after it was gutted by fire over the weekend, was not lawful and that investigations into the cause of the blaze will continue.
The comment comes amid public outcry, with videos of the pub off Himley Road, between Himley and Dudley, being knocked down, and photos of the resulting rubble being shared widely on social media.
The fire at the building, dating back to 1765, was reported at around 10pm on Saturday, just weeks after pub group Marston's sold The Crooked House to a new owner and set it for 'alternative' use.
Council leader, Roger Lees, said: "Our officers carried out a visit to the site yesterday , prior to the demolition of the building.
"Officers agreed on 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 on the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary."
Video posted on social media shows contractors demolishing the building using an excavator.
