Fire-ravaged Walsall pub now 'safe'
A fire-ravaged former pub has been declared 'safe' for now but council bosses will hold talks with its owners following calls to demolish the old drinking spot.
The Boat in Darlaston was gutted by fire last Monday and not for the first time since it shut its doors in 2006.
It immediately prompted safety concerns around the future of the site at Bentley Road South with ward Councillor Angela Underhill arguing it was time the pub was levelled and developed properly.
Walsall Council has previously granted permission for demolition some years ago as part of an application to house a temporary car wash operation and yet the former boozer still stands.
But following the latest incident the authority confirmed it would once again seek talks with the owners.
Councillor Lee Jeavons, Deputy Leader stated: "Council officers have taken the necessary steps to secure the site for the safety of the public and are now contacting the owner of the property to establish their plans for its future."
The car wash moved off the site when the road was recently closed for several weeks for highways improvements.
