The Crooked House demolished: Thousands sign petitions to rebuild ‘wonkiest pub’

The future of a landmark Black Country pub has united people across the West Midlands.

Locals have been alarmed at the destruction of The Crooked House which was destroyed in a fire days after it was sold to private buyers, who have been named in news reports as ATE Farms Ltd. Sorrow at the loss escalated after the remains of the burnt out building were completely demolished without council permission on Monday (August 7).

People gathered outside the site on Tuesday (August 8) to call for the iconic building to be rebuilt and thousands have signed petitions calling for the same. The pub was constructed in 1765 as a farmhouse and later converted into a pub after it began to sink due to mining in the area.

The Crooked House recently changed hands after Marstons sold it to ATE Farms Ltd. The company is controlled by Carly Taylor, 34, according to Government records. She is reportedly married to Adam, 44 - who is a shareholder of Himley Environmental Ltd, a company that operates a landfill next to the pub, according to the Daily Mail.

BirminghamWorld tried to contact ATE Farms but they were unavailable at the time. South Staffordshire Council said that they are conducting an investigation on “the issues surrounding the fire, safety of the unauthorised demolition and securing the ongoing safety of the site.” Staffordshire Police announced that they were treating the fire as arson on Wednesday evening (August 9).

Chief Inspector Chris Cotton said: “We understand the strength of feeling in the community is high at this moment and the sadness felt amongst those who have a strong emotional attachment to this place.”

He added: “I’d like to reiterate that speculation into the cause of the fire is not helpful at this time. Officers have been working hard to examine all of the evidence available and continue to speak to members of the public who have been forthcoming with information which can help our investigation.

“A cordon was in place temporarily whilst we carried out enquiries at the scene, but, due to the unsafe structure of the building, officers were pulled back and the scene was stood down. Since then, the area has been in the care of the landowners and the building has since been demolished.”

Petition launched to rebuild the Crooked House - where to sign

Thousands of people are joining the call for The Crooked House to be rebuilt. West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said that it should be reconstructed ‘brick by brick’. A demonstration took place at the site of the pub and an online petition was started by a concerned individual, Rachel Bell-White. It has been signed by thousands of people so far. Another petition, which was started before the sale by Paul Turner, is also attracting thousands of signatures daily.

Concerned people have commented on the petition with one calling it an “outrage”. “There are far too many ‘incidents’ occurring like this throughout the country - our heritage is being destroyed left right & centre!”, they added. Another person said: “It’s a part of history, and we should hold on to that!” One person said: “This place holds memories for myself and my family. Its part of the black country heritage and im totally gutted its been destroyed.”

If you want to sign the petitions calling for The Crooked House to be rebuilt go to: Rebuild the Crooked House Pub or Save the Crooked House.

Who else has spoken out about The Crooked House fire and demolition?

Famed advertising executive Trevor Beattie, originally from Birmingham, tweeted saying: “I will pay any whistleblower. HANDSOMELY.” Night Time Economy Advisor and Birmingham restaurateur Alex Claridge said: “As a typically emotionless creature, even I felt something resembling emotion. The Black Country showing big-hearted affection for a fallen pub.”

He added: “Frankly overwhelmed with the outpouring for #CrookedHouse - thank you to everyone who has engaged with it. Who knew the best way to unite the Midlands was a pub! Also a chance to speak to my wider sentiment that every pub matters - and there’s a hell of a lot of work to do.”

Mayor Andy Street Street issued a call for The Crooked House to be rebuilt on Tuesday (August 8) saying: “We should be taking steps to protect and preserve their heritage. The reaction of so many of you to the tragic fire at The Crooked House tells us we’re not alone. We’re on it.”

South Staffordshire Council full statement on The Crooked House demolition

South Staffordshire Council leader Cllr Roger Lees said: “Our officers carried out a site visit to the site yesterday (August 7th), prior to the demolition of the building. Officers agreed 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 the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary.

“This council finds the manner in which the situation was managed following the fire completely unacceptable and contrary to instructions provided by our officers. As such, we are currently investigating potential breaches of both the Town and Country Planning Act and the Buildings Act.

“Demolition of a building should be carried out in accordance with Schedule 2 Part 11 Class B of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. The steps required by the legislation were not carried out in this case.

“We have referred these matters to our legal team with a view to taking enforcement action. As soon as we were made aware of the breaches during the demolition, we notified the Health and Safety Executive.

“We are also liaising with many other relevant statutory bodies, including Historic England, the police and fire services, amongst others. These bodies will take the lead on investigating the issues surrounding the fire, safety of the unauthorised demolition and securing the ongoing safety of the site.

“Our own investigation is in its early stages and whilst it continues at pace, we as ask for time to consider the facts thoroughly to ensure any future actions are meaningful and proportionate. The council is incredibly saddened by the loss of the building which, whilst not listed, was a heritage asset and important landmark to the local area and community. Over recent months, the council had been in conversation with the relevant national bodies regarding how best to protect and preserve this important heritage asset.”

How do I contact Staffordshire Police if I have information about The Crooked House fire?

If you have any information about the fire at the Crooked House and want to help with investigation, you can get in touch via the Live Chat on Staffordshire Police website or call 101, quoting incident 761 of 5 August. To report anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.