Historic pub to be demolished

A landmark Black Country pub is being demolished, marking the end of an era as there has been some form of "beer house" on the site for nearly 200 years.

The Edward VII pub in West Bromwich is to be replaced by 24 flats.

The pub in Old Meeting Street at the Black Lake traffic junction, has been vacant for several years and this winter has been used by squatters. The current building, according to West Bromwich historian Terry Price, dates back to between 1902 and 1911.

This replaced a previous pub on the site called The Lame Dog. It is not clear from records exactly when this was built, but it is thought to have been very old.

Mr Price said: "Some pubs at that time were just beer houses and were not licensed, which makes it difficult to trace their history. There were about a dozen pubs in the area, most of which have come down."

Over the years people have broken into the pub but builders today were not clear what had been taken due to its poor condition.

The pub's image was tarnished after a DJ was shot there in 1995 and it closed shortly afterwards.

Michael Lumley was shot in the leg and stomach. Before that it was popular with young music fans in the 1980s and early 90s.

Approval to demolish the three-storey building was granted by Sandwell Council planning committee in March 2006.

The site is now owned by Cherry Blossom Developments of Cannock.

Builders AJ Jennings have started clearing the site which also includes a former car parts centre.

Old tiles from the roof have already been reclaimed and will be reused on other building projects.

Builder Steve Green said: "The place was in a pretty poor state when we came here. There was a squatter in the building and we had to get him out.

"The residents and the police were fed up with the pub as it was attracting all sorts. They have told use they are very pleased something is finally happening here."

The old building is due to come down by Sunday.

The Edward VII was sold by Ansells Brewery in 1984 to Worcestershire businessman Chris Jameson. The pub closed for short time and then reopened.