WORKERS have been fencing off the remains of The Crooked House pub near Dudley this morning (Tuesday August 15), more than a week after it was reduced to rubble following a suspected arson attack.
People were seen putting metal fencing up around the site at Himley, which has been attracting visits from locals and fans of the legendary pub wanting to see the destruction with their own eyes.
Two men using a quad bike were spotted at the site, starting to erect fencing around the remnants of the landmark wonky pub and across a lane leading to the site.
Meanwhile, Staffordshire County Council has closed off two public rights of way for 21 days including one leading to the pub's car park, amid safety concerns, and a mound of earth blocking access to vehicles remains in place.
A spokesperson for South Staffordshire Council said it was believed the fencing was being put up "as a result of instructions given by the Health and Safety Executive".
The HSE has not responded to a request for comment but Staffordshire Police have now confirmed they visited the site today following concerns raised and a spokesperson said: “We went to the Crooked House site following reports of activity. The Health and Safety Executive has instructed the land owner to erect fencing at the location.”
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, last week called for the iconic pub, which dated back to the 18th century, to be rebuilt "brick by brick" and he urged locals to stay away from the site, and avoid taking items away as mementos, to boost the chances of the building being rebuilt.
His office has not responded to a request for comment on today's activity although a spokesperson for the West Midlands Combined Authority said they were "letting the authorities get on with their work".
Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for the area, said of the situation: "I am aware that there is ongoing speculation regarding the site of the Crooked House. I have made it my priority to arrange meetings with various stakeholders, including the district council and the police and fire services, in order to gain clarity on what is a quickly moving picture.
"I hope to ensure that no further improper action is taken on the site, and this is something I have highlighted to the authorities. I will do all I can to push for the restoration and reconstruction of the Crooked House, and to find answers for my constituents."
A police investigation into the August 5 fire, which is being treated as arson, continues alongside a probe by the district council after the building was demolished in its entirety by a digger on Monday August 7 "without appropriate permissions".
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi is to hold a public meeting at nearby Himley Hall this Wednesday to update interested locals on the saga. Anyone wanting to attend should email marco.longhi.mp@parliament.uk
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