Historic pub is blighted

I have been watching with close interest the issues surrounded the Boat Inn, Coseley, particularly those related in the Express & Star over the last few months.

The building has been left to decay, I guess solely for the purpose of its demolition. Like Mr Wilkes I cannot believe this site is being treated by the council as a nonentity.

The predictable situation is that a developer buys the property with one view in mind – to clear the site for a residential development. And who can blame the developer? He would pay VAT on the renovation but none on the sale of a new build, among other incentives.

The historical heart and sole of our communities is being stripped out in the process.

I visited the site about two years ago while it was still running as a pub, although not trading well. I was in the company of some members of the Sedgley Historical Society.

The building has great historical features, beginning with the walk up the steps from the canal to the back door. This building is important and could be made into so much more with its connection to the canal.

While I believe the council will yet again be proud to boast of its government target on building new houses and therefore pass a demolition order, it will only be when the building is gone that many Coseley people will regret its passing.

They may feel any opposition is futile, because of central government's mandate to reject the advice of the local council, even when support for preservation is forthcoming.

Yes, we do feel helpless, Mr Wilkes, but please keep up the good work. Even if you prove unsuccessful there are people out there who do care and admire what you and others are doing.

Paul Raybould, Gospel End Street, Sedgley.