THE Campaign for Real Ale has marked the one-year anniversary of the fire at Britain’s wonkiest pub by calling for action to make sure such a tragedy never happens again.
CAMRA and local campaigners have called for the Crooked House to be rebuilt ‘brick by brick’ since its destruction last August.
The iconic pub at Himley was gutted by fire on August 5 2023 and two days later it was bulldozed to the ground without permission, leaving locals, pubgoers and history fans devastated and in disbelief.
In 2023, 260 pubs were lost forever due to conversion or demolition, and CAMRA has reported that many public houses continue to be demolished or converted without apparent planning permission.
In the wake of the destruction of The Crooked House, CAMRA joined forces with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to try to protect pubs of value that are at risk by launching a successful ‘List your Local’ campaign.
CAMRA has also urged the government to take action and bring in strong enforcement laws to protect the pubs.
Gary Timmins, CAMRA’s pub campaigns director, said: “A year after the loss of the Crooked House the pain felt by locals and campaigners is still just as fresh.
“In August last year, I wrote to the Housing and Planning Minister asking for central government to take action to deter unscrupulous developers and ensure that illegally demolished pubs are rebuilt ‘brick by brick’. “A year later, our aims and our dedication have not changed. We want there to be a happy ending to this tragic story and to see other pubs protected.”
Staffordshire Police confirmed last week that six people arrested as part of their investigation into the alleged arson at the pub have been released from bail, but the police probe continues.
Meanwhile, South Staffordshire Council said it remains committed to defending an appeal lodged by the owners of the pub after an enforcement notice demanding a rebuild was served in February. A date for a public inquiry into the matter is awaited.
A celebratory event marking the one-year anniversary of the Crooked House’s demise was held at Himley Hall on Sunday August 4.
Campaigners from the Save the Crooked House (Let’s Get it Rebuilt) Facebook group together with Wombourne-based Dangerous Sheep Events organised the family fun event which featured live music, facepainting, food and drink.
The bash was organised to bring people together to share memories of the Crooked House and double down on the campaign to get it rebuilt.
Fiona Brook, a lecturer in psychology at Birmingham City University, said it’s understandable why people continue to grieve over the loss of the beloved pub.
She said: “The reality of grieving is that it is a process that is different for everyone and for every loss experienced.
“For some, it has galvanised a movement to preserve their cultural and heritage, while for others they still feel the pain of part of their personal and familial narrative being lost.
“This is part of the reason why the demolition of The Crooked House has had such an impact and continues to be spoken about a year on.
“Campaigners involved are not simply grieving a pile of rubble, these emotions are tied into something far more significant but less tangible.
“A year on from the fire, it shows just how deeply people care about their culture and history, as well as the lengths people will go to in order to restore it.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here