'Eyesore' Walsall pub is a 'death trap' and danger to children
Calls have been made to regenerate a derelict former pub site labelled a death trap and an eyesore.
Land where the Butlers Arms pub once stood, on the junction of Harden Road and Bloxwich Road, in Leamore, Walsall, has fallen into disrepair since the drinking hole's demolition in 2010.
After being left open for a number of years, protective fencing was put in place, but a section has been pulled down revealing a deep hole in the ground says local councillor Pete Smith.
He is calling for action as he says it poses a danger to children from a nearby school and claims the site is used by drug addicts.
A body of a man was discovered after a fire on the waste land back in 2011 and Councillor Smith, said he 'confidently forecasts' another tragedy unless something is done.
He said: "Every so often over recent years that the site has been like this, after pressure from myself, the council has made the owners board the site up safely, but it soon deteriorates as drug addicts force their way in.
"Despite bringing this to the attention of the authorities some years ago, the cellar steps leading to the former pub cellar has still not been sealed.
"The site is right opposite the Christ Church School and the site can be easily accessed by anyone, including young children.
"Once on site, the heavy metal doors leading to what was the cellar are open.
"If a young child gets in there and the doors are closed, the child would never be able to get out again.
"I am calling on Walsall Council as a matter of utmost urgency, in the safety interests of the children especially, to ensure that this cellar area is sealed, the site spruced up and the boundary fencing secured and made to look more aesthetically pleasing until the site is developed
"Before very long, unless action is taken I confidently forecast that this will be the scene of a further tragedy."
The site is on an arterial route into Walsall, with Councillor Smith claiming it has 'blotted the landscape' since the Butlers Arms was demolished.
He said: "This eyesore of a site has blotted the landscape of one of the main routes into Walsall for years.
"I am bringing the state of this site to the attention of the council and the police as something must be done as a matter of urgency.
"We surely have a duty of care to local residents and especially children who can easily be tempted to venture on to this site."
The owners of the site were not available for comment.
