August 8th 2023.
Residents of the West Midlands have been left shocked and outraged following the destruction of the Crooked House, a pub known for its unique 'wonky' appearance. The beloved venue was sold to a private buyer at the end of last month and just days later, it was destroyed in a fire.
This morning, locals woke up to find the remaining walls demolished, leaving nothing but a pile of scattered bricks. South Staffordshire Council has said it will be seeking legal action in response to the destruction of one of the UK's most iconic pubs.
The Crooked House had been around for almost 200 years, but its unique 'leaning' structure came as a result of subsidence in the 1800s, causing one side of the building to sit four feet lower than the other. This made it a popular destination for locals and expats alike, and it was even recognised as one of the area's heritage assets.
Former owner Laura Catton expressed her devastation over the loss of the pub. She said: "I have not only lost a building that completely changed the course of my life, but a building that bought people to our area and brought generations and families together. It was much more than just a pub! It was a part of our local heritage. A talking point for people all over the world!"
West Midlands mayor Andy Street has called for the pub to be rebuilt 'brick by brick', and South Staffordshire Council has referred the situation to its legal team with a view to taking enforcement action. They believe the steps required by legislation were not carried out in this case and that the manner in which the building was managed following the fire was unacceptable.
An investigation has been launched by Police, the fire service and Historic England into the fire and the safety of the demolition, and the council has expressed their sadness over the loss of the building. They said: "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."
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