STOURBRIDGE MP Suzanne Webb says she backs the regional mayor’s call for The Crooked House to be rebuilt ‘brick by brick’ following its shock demolition on Monday.
The historic pub at Himley, famous for its wonky appearance caused by subsidence due to mining, went up in flames last Saturday (August 5) and police are now treating the blaze as arson.
Sadly, the iconic structure was later bulldozed to pieces with just piles of rubble left remaining on Monday.
In a letter to South Staffordshire Council, Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said the pub should be rebuilt and the local authority should consider barring any change of use application for the site - and Stourbridge’s MP Suzanne Webb has echoed his sentiments.
She said on her Facebook page: “I support Andy Street who is calling for The Crooked House Pub to be rebuilt brick by brick, and any attempt to change its use should be blocked.
“A lot of questions surrounding The Crooked House fire need answering.
“I sincerely hope this iconic Black Country landmark can be restored and preserved.”
She described it as a “cherished landmark” and said: “I cannot believe or understand why it was demolished so quickly. The strength of public feeling is overwhelming and the memories it held for many of us.
“Very sad news, I remember many a date at The Crooked House.”
Police confirmed late Wednesday, after forensics were spotted at the scene, that they are now treating the fire as arson.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Chisholm, head of specialist crime, said: “We’re doing all we can to understand more about what happened, and who was responsible.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact officers on 101, quoting incident 761 of August 5, or via Live Chat online at staffordshire.police.uk or people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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