![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/crooked-house-scandal-must-be-catalyst-for-change/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/130714064_screenshot2023-08-10at14.57.00.png&description=Image source, James Image caption, A change in the planning law is needed to protect heritage pubs, says a campaign group Vital heritage will be be lost unless planning laws change to protect historic pubs, campaigners say. An open letter to the government from the Campaign for Pubs has highlighted the "appalling" case of the Black Country's Crooked House pub, gutted in a fire then demolished. Anger over the incident must act as a "catalyst for change", said campaigners. Mayor Andy Street said whoever did this messed with the wrong community. He strengthened his call for the pub in Himley, near Dudley, to be rebuilt "brick by brick". "Whoever has targeted this beloved landmark in this way has messed with the wrong pub, the wrong community, and the wrong authorities," the West Midlands Metro Mayor said. Saturday night's fire is being treated as arson by Staffordshire Police. The 18th century building, famed for its sloping floors and walls, was bulldozed less than two days after the fire, prompting anger from residents and former customers. Media caption, Watch: Mystery surrounds end of wonky pub... in 52 seconds "Many historic pubs up and down the country are being lost as owners seek to cash in on the development value of a pub, even despite the pub being profitable and even when there is a potential owner who wants to buy the pub, as a pub," said the campaign group, which aims to promote, protect and support pubs across the country. "The government must act to prevent pubs being lost when there is a buyer as a pub as well as introducing far more serious penalties for unauthorised conversions and demolitions." Image caption, An aerial view shows what is left of the pub Marco Longhi, MP for Dudley North, said he would campaign to close a "potential loophole" which could prevent the destruction of property during a potential criminal investigation. Police should have been able to take the premises under their control during the arson investigation, he said. "The site){kind=link}
Vital heritage will be be lost unless planning laws change to protect historic pubs, campaigners say.
An open letter to the government from the Campaign for Pubs has highlighted the “appalling” case of The Crooked House pub in the Black Country, gutted in a fire then demolished.
Anger over the incident must act as a “catalyst for change”, said campaigners.
Mayor Andy Street said whoever did this messed with the wrong community.
He strengthened his call for the pub in Himley, near Dudley, to be rebuilt “brick by brick”.