Arson-hit pub sets date for reopening

A fire-ravaged Black Country pub, which was targeted twice in two months by arsonists, will reopen at the end of the month, it was announced today.

Owner JD Wetherspoon has now stepped up security at The Clifton in the Bull Ring, Sedgley, following the blazes. Thousands of pounds has been spent on redecorating the inside of the popular watering hole.

It was gutted in the most recent attack last month.

The pub has been closed since the fire on December 18 and missed out on trade over the Christmas and New Year period.

Area manager James Lagneau said subject to building work, the pub would re-open on January 28 at 6pm.

He added: "We have redecorated the whole of the interior of the pub and got new seating and tables. We've also repaired the ceiling and fitted new carpets.

"We are very pleased the pub is reopening soon. We have now got security shutters for all of the doors and windows and we have also upgraded the CCTV system.

"This should hopefully never happen again."

Petrol bombs were thrown through the windows of the pub at around 5am on December 18.

The bar was severely blackened, chairs and tables destroyed and the smell of smoke filled the air.

It was eight weeks to the day since the previous attack when missiles were hurled through a broken window on October 23 causing extensive smoke damage.