Andy Street – 2023 Letter to Staffordshire Fire Brigade on Allegations of Blocked Access to Crooked House Fire

The letter sent by Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, to Chris Noble (Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police) and Rob Barber (Chief Fire Officer in Staffordshire) on 7 August 2023.

Dear Chris and Rob,

We hope you are both keeping well.

We are writing in regards to the fire at the Crooked House Pub in Himley over the weekend. As you will be aware, this historical pub is of real significance to the cultural heritage and history of the West Midlands, and so it is deeply upsetting to see it gutted in this way.

Whilst we will avoid any speculation as to what has occurred, clearly there are major questions to be answered given how swiftly this fire happened following the sale of the pub to an unknown private developer. We are also intrigued by the fact that your officers faced blocked access when trying to get to the scene.

Given the significance to the West Midlands, we would kindly ask that you keep us abreast of your investigation. If there is anything we can do to help, then please let us know.

We are also copying the letter to Councillor Roger Lees, the leader of South Staffordshire District Council, who we have written to separately in regards to the future of the site.

Many thanks and we look forward to hearing from you.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.

Alex Claridge, West Midlands Night Time Economy Advisor.