Shock as landmark Wolverhampton pub suddenly shuts up shop

Metal shutters have been bolted up over the windows of The Neachells pub in Willenhall Road.

The closure comes weeks after a 53-year-old man was left with serious head injuries when violence erupted in the car park of the pub on May 6.

It is unclear if the fighting is linked to the closure.

Residents today told of their surprise at the closure, saying they had seen the pub open and trading just days earlier.

And they called for more to be done to help pubs following a series of closures across the city.

Councillor Keith Inston, who represents East Park ward, described the closure as 'sad'.

He said: "It is very surprising. The way we're going with pub closures we'll soon end up with none.

"I know a few people have tried to make a go of it but this isn't a big area for three pubs and I guess that one has to give.

"This is where you need central government to help out pubs and stop the cheap cost of alcohol in supermarkets because that's obviously impacted on these pubs.

"It's sad, it's always sad when a pub closes."

The attack which left the man seriously hurt happened on May 6 shortly after 2am in the car park of the pub.

Police arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of assault but he has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The Neachells, which is believed to have closed last week, is the latest pub in the city to shut.

In June 2012 The Mitre Inn in Tettenhall closed its doors suddenly despite £34,000 of refurbishments to turn it into an Italian restaurant.

The 130-year-old pub was taken over by the owners of city centre restaurant Don Salvo but shut six months later.

It has been on the market since February and being advertised by letting agents First City.

There had been interest by several potential tenants with most planning to retain it as a restaurant or turn it back into a pub.

The Hop Pole in Oxley Moor is being turned into a One Stop supermarket, while the old Rough Hills Tavern in Rooker Avenue, Parkfields, will be turned into 15 properties.

And 12 semi-detached houses will be built on Wednesfield's Linthouse Inn.

• Local business: Patshull Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Pattingham