PUB company Marston’s has now confirmed The Crooked House was sold to a company linked to the neighbouring landfill firm.
The landmark pub, which was demolished on Monday after a severe fire on Saturday, was sold by Marston’s just over two weeks ago to ATE Farms Limited based in Leicester Road, Bedworth, Warwickshire, it has now been confirmed.
The company, which lists Carly Taylor as a director, shares the same address as Himley Environmental Ltd which runs Oak Farm Quarry Landfill located next door to The Crooked House.
Ms Taylor, aged 34, is also listed as a director of a number of other companies – all of which share the same Colinton House address.
MPs have called for answers regarding why the pub was demolished while an active investigation by police, fire and council officials is underway following Saturday’s blaze which saw up to 30 firefighters deployed to tackle the flames.
No cause for the fire has yet been given.
MPs including Dudley North’s Marco Longhi have called for answers about the happenings of the last few days – with Mr Longhi demanding to know why the police did not intervene regarding the demolition.
Staffordshire Police said it has been progressing numerous lines of enquiry alongside South Staffordshire Council and that officers have been “working hard to examine all of the evidence available”.
Police said speculation into the cause of the fire was “not helpful” and the force has urged anyone with any information that could help the investigation to get in touch.
It has not commented on Mr Longhi’s comments which he made in a letter to police.
Meanwhile, Staffordshire County Council has said its officers agreed a programme of works with the landowner's representative to ensure the safety of the building and the site and that “at no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure” - nor was it deemed necessary.
The loss of the iconic leaning pub, which got its famous appearance as a result of subsidence due to mining in the area, has sparked upset and anger from locals and people from across the country.
On Tuesday evening, a group gathered at the site - which is now just a pile of rubble - to mourn the much-loved pub’s demise.
Following the fire, Marston’s said it was “shocked and disappointed” to learn about the damage to The Crooked House which it had put up for sale with a guide price of £675,000.
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