Fresh calls for Britain's "wonkiest house" to be rebuilt
It's been three years since the Crooked House in Staffordshire was destroyed
Campaigners are feeling “frustrated” as they call for the Crooked House pub to be rebuilt, three years after it was torn down.
The iconic 18th-century wonky building in Himley, Staffordshire was destroyed in a fire on 5th August 2023 and later demolished.
Staffordshire Police treated the fire as arson and arrested six people in connection with the incident who were released on bail.
The evidence has since been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service to decide how the case will proceed.
Paul Turner, a campaigner from the Save the Crooked House group, says a lack of a criminal charge means the process to order those responsible for demolition to rebuild the site is also on hold.
He said: “People are frustrated that things are taking so long.
“We need to keep people interested and we need to keep the campaign in the public eye, so that it’s clear that no matter how much time passes, we’re not going to go away.
“We believe it should be rebuilt brick by brick."
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire MP, Mike Wood, has launched a bill in parliament to protect heritage pubs - it's set for debate in October this year.
In a statement, he wrote: “For so many people like me across the Black Country and beyond, The Crooked House was far more than just a pub. It was a cherished local landmark, a symbol of our industrial heritage, and a place that held countless memories for generations of visitors.
"Getting a sense of justice for the heritage pub, and for those who loved the local pub has remained central to my work. It has now been some time since people were charged in connection with the fire and subsequent demolition of The Crooked House.
"My Bill seeks to establish stronger and more consistent protections for our nation's historic pubs, recognising the unique role they play in preserving local identity, culture, and history. Above all, its purpose is to ensure that no other community has to endure the devastating loss of an iconic local landmark, as the people of the Black Country have experienced in recent years."