Arsonists target derelict Oldbury pub for second time in week
Arsonists have set fire to a derelict Black Country pub for the second time in a week.
The Merrivale Pub, located on Vicarage Road, Oldbury, was set on fire last night.
West Midlands Fire Service was called at 10.51pm and sent 20 firefighters to the scene.
It comes after the pub was targeted in another arson attack seven days ago last Tuesday
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "This fire (last night) is believed to have been started deliberately."
West Midlands Police confirmed officers are treating the incident as arson.
Firefighters deployed six water jets. Police closed off nearby roads as firefighters used a hydraulic platform to reach the flames.
A cordon was also set up around the building due to fears the roof could collapse.
Structural engineers from Sandwell Council were called to assess the building's safety.
The fire spokesman continued: "We sent four vehicles - fire engines from Oldbury, Smethwick and West Bromwich and a brigade response vehicle from West Bromwich - to the scene.
"The incident involved a two-storey public house where ninety percent of the roof was involved in the fire.
"Due to the severity of the fire, we split the incident into two sectors. In the first, we used four breathing apparatus and four main water jets alongside a hydraulic platform. In the other section we used two main water jets.
"To protect us against a falling roof, we cordoned off the area. Sandwell Council structural engineers attended and said the building was structurally sound.
"Vicarage Road and Dog Kennel Lane was closed off by police while hydraulic platforms were used. Those have since opened."
A Sandwell Council spokesman said the building is privately owned.
The spokesperson said: "One of our surveyors attended the Merrivale Pub last night to check on the safety of the building. We are working with the owner and the fire service to ensure the building is secured to prevent further incidents."
Ward councillor Zahoor Ahmed has called on the owner to redevelop the site.
Last year the owner lodged plans with Sandwell Council to turn the pub into a Hindu temple, but withdrew those plans earlier this year.
Councillor Ahmed said: "I would like to see this property brought back into good light, whether that maybe perhaps a pub or flats, which the owner can do."
