Heritage pubs bill aims to protect historic pubs from sale

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:32 · Archive

A proposed Heritage Public Houses Bill would give community groups the right to purchase historic pubs during a legally enforced waiting period. Conservative MP Mike Wood is driving the legislation, inspired by the loss of Staffordshire's Crooked House, which was sold by pub giant Marston's in 2023 before being gutted in a fire and wrongly demolished the following day.

The 258-year-old Crooked House was renowned as Britain's wonkiest pub, a result of mining subsidence that created a remarkable optical illusion. The fire and demolition occurred in August 2023, leading to six arrests on suspicion of arson-related offences. All those arrested have since been released, and Staffordshire Police have forwarded evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, though no charges have been made.

Mr Wood, whose constituency encompasses the Crooked House, said the legislation would provide crucial protections against similar events. He stated that the local community had no idea Marston's were looking to sell the pub until they heard it had been bought. The Bill is due to be debated by MPs on Friday, though it will require Government backing to advance further through Parliament.

How it is being reported

• Why we need the heritage pubs bill after Crooked House destructionSpeaking ahead of the second reading of his Bill - Conservative MP Mike Wood said it would help save pubs like the Crooked House at Himley, which was gutted by fire and demolished after being sold by Marston’sExpress & Star · 16 Oct, 06:00
• New 'Crooked House law' to give powers to pubsUnder the Heritage Public Houses Bill, community groups would get the right to buy historic pubs under a legally obliged delay period — inspired by the loss of Staffordshire's Crooked HouseBirminghamLive · 16 Oct, 01:18

In this story: Mike Wood · Marston's · Crooked House · Himley · Staffordshire · Kingswinford and South Staffordshire

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