A Midlands MP wants a ‘Crooked House law’ introduced to better protect heritage venues, in the wake of the loss of a much-loved pub in his constituency.
The Crooked House when it was open, operated by Marston’s, who sold it two weeks ago. The pub has since been destroyed by fire, then bulldozed.
Photograph: Peter Broster/Creative Commons
Marco Longhi, MP for Dudley North, called a public meeting to address the issue yesterday evening. Around 100 people attended.
“I don’t believe our current legislative framework is strong enough,” he said, echoing the thoughts of campaigning groups such as CAMRA and the Campaign for Pubs. “I would love to see, in future, a Crooked House law.
“It is important we make a change in the law. Our historic pubs and buildings are not protected adequately.”
Mr Longhi intends to take up the matter with Michael Gove, secretary of state for levelling up, housing, and communities. In the meantime he asked the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the fire on social media.
Police and South Staffordshire Council are currently investigating the circumstances of the fire at the pub, and its subsequent demolition.
