The owners of The Crooked House pub have appealed an order to rebuild the historic building. It comes after the boozer in Himley, near Dudley , was torn down in August last year just days after a devastating
fire. The pub had been sold just weeks before, and it's fait caused uproar amongst the local community. South Staffordshire Council ordered the owners to rebuild the site last month. But the news that they have appealed this decision has been met with wide-spread criticism. Pub and Club Campaigns Director of The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Gary Timmins, called the move "concerning." READ MORE: Tesco car park appeal after man assaulted by two thugs Get the latest court and crime news direct via our
WhatsApp community here He said: "To hear that the owners of the Crooked House in Himley have appealed against South Staffordshire Council's enforcement notice to rebuild the demolished pub is concerning albeit fully expected news. Pictures of The Crooked House before it was destroyed View gallery "The complete destruction of the Crooked House shocked the nation and struck a chord with the public, exposing a wider scandal of potentially unlawful pub conversions and demolitions. The appeal is a mockery of all the hard work put in by dedicated campaigners who championed for the pub’s future. "CAMRA is following the case of the Crooked House closely and believes accountability needs to be taken for the obliteration of the iconic pub. Systematic change to bolster planning policy is needed to avoid situations like this arising again in the future." Following the blaze, five men and one woman were arrested and have all since been bailed. The pub was famous for its wonky appearance which was caused by mining in the area. The crooked House was previously owned by Marston's plc but was sold to ATE Farms Limited in July, just weeks before the fire.