Start building on Wolverhampton Strykers site before it becomes an eyesore, urges councillor
A landmark bowling alley that was destroyed in an arson attack should be developed sooner rather than later to avoid it becoming an eyesore it has been claimed.
Strykers in Wolverhampton was flattened by bulldozers last month after a fire ripped through it in December last year.
Now a city councillor says he would like to see the Shaw Road in Bushbury developed.
Councillor for Bushbury South and Low Hill Peter O'Neill said: "What we don't want is it to become an eyesore and for it to attract fly-tippers.
"My understanding is the site is sufficiently secured at the moment so there doesn't appear to be a problem with that.
"We have recently seen the former Paget Arms on Park Lane knocked down because that had become an eyesore for too long. That land is going to be developed so I hope Strykers can do the same."
Owner of Strykers Sam Samra said he still has no plans for the land insisting it is too soon to say. Two days after the devastating blaze police announced they were treating the fire as arson and launched an investigation.
Inferno at the bowling alley as Wolverhampton Strykers destroyed
Strykers fire treated as arson attack
Fire-hit Wolverhampton bowling alley Strykers is reduced to rubble
Bulldozers move in on Wolverhampton Strykers site
That probe continues and there are yet to be any arrests.
At the fire's height, around 100 firefighters from across the Black Country and Birmingham battled the blaze with up to 14 fire engines. Plumes of smoke billowed into the sky and flames towered above the building.
The blaze was so intense firefighters were unable to enter the building and had to battle it from outside.
The venue was destroyed after its structure had become unsafe. Part of it had collapsed during the intensity of the blaze.
Strykers had closed in October but shortly after it was targeted by metal thieves who looted copper pipes and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
The fire also shut surrounding roads for around 24 hours as smoked billowed out from the wreckage. One firefighter suffered minor injuries to his ankle while tackling the fire and had to be taken to hospital as a precaution. KFC is currently building a restaurant over the road from the former bowling alley.
