Protesters halt construction at the site of the Crooked House

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【Summary】Protesters have blocked vehicles from entering the site of the Crooked House pub in the West Midlands, which burned down in an arson attack. Contractors arrived with diggers to demolish the pub's wonky shell, prompting demonstrations. South Staffordshire Council, which previously deemed the full demolition of the pub unacceptable, is investigating the situation. Protesters are demanding the pub be rebuilt, as it holds significant cultural value.

FutureCar Staff Aug 21, 2023 5:05 PM PT

Protesters halt construction at the site of the Crooked House

Protests have erupted at the site of the former Crooked House pub in Dudley, West Midlands, as contractors arrived with diggers. The beloved pub, known for its wonky structure, was destroyed in a suspected arson attack on August 5. The shell of the pub was demolished shortly after the fire. On Monday, protesters prevented a construction company's lorry from entering the site, where a specialist demolition and waste management firm had already begun work.

The South Staffordshire Council, which previously expressed its disapproval of the full demolition of the pub, stated that it is in communication with the contractor. The council is currently investigating the incident and gathering information before taking further action. It refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation to avoid prejudicing any enforcement measures. Updates regarding the situation will be provided on the council's website.

During the protests, campaigners demanded access to the lane leading to the pub's remains to observe the work being carried out. Some protesters even sat in front of vehicles attempting to enter or exit Crooked House Lane. Jane Baker, a local resident, emphasized the importance of the pub to the community and expressed the desire to see it rebuilt. She explained that the pub holds significant historical and cultural value and that the protests were a way to make a stand for the iconic building.

Dudley North MP Marco Longhi urged individuals with concerns about the site to report them to his office. Staffordshire Police confirmed that a group of protesters had gathered at the site and that officers were present to ensure community safety. The police acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding the loss of the pub and stated that their investigation into the fire is ongoing. They are currently reviewing CCTV footage, analyzing forensic evidence, and collecting witness testimonies to determine the cause of the fire.

No arrests have been made in connection with the arson investigation. Although the Crooked House was a local landmark, it was not a listed building. The pub was sold to private owners shortly before the fire, after the announcement that it would no longer operate as a pub.

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