Redevelopment hopes as trouble-hit Tipton bar is sold

The Triple S bar, formerly The Talbot pub, is in new hands having stood empty for almost two years.

Plans to turn it into flats had been in the pipeline prior to its sale.

Police took action following a string of violent incidents at the venue, including an attack which put a young man in a coma.

Following a period of uncertainty, it has now been confirmed that the Bradleys Lane venue has been sold.

Details of the buyer and sale price have not been revealed. Triple S had been due to be offered at an auction earlier this year for £110,000.

Property experts have said the building would be suitable for a number of alternative uses, with turning into flats seemingly the most likely possibility.

An application to convert it into three flats was lodged last year but later withdrawn. It is believed plans for housing could soon be resurrected.

The bar was shut down by police after a 22-year-old man was left fighting for his life in 2015. He was put into an induced coma, his skull having been fractured in two places after receiving ‘extreme blows’ to the head.

Police said was likely to have been caused by ‘punches or a weapon’.

Tipton councillor Stephen Jones said he would support the bar becoming homes.

He said: "It would be great to get a bit more accommodation in the area. We are always looking to build more housing.

"Decent social housing, if that is what it is going to be, would be welcome.

"The pub was plagued by antisocial behaviour and a man suffered a serious injury there. It seemed to be a relief for people.

"Let's get shot of it and get some decent flats for people."

The serious attack proved to be the final straw for West Midlands Police chiefs, who were adamant Triple S should not re-open on safety grounds. Licensing bosses at Sandwell Council supported the force’s stance, stripping the bar of its licence in August 2015.

Officers provided evidence of several other violent incidents at Triple S including brawls and an alleged stabbing.