Front of 100-year-old pub removed over safety fears

The historic frontage of a closed city centre pub has been removed because of safety concerns.

The render on the vacant Jovial Foresters Inn in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, was taken down by the city council after a "lack of action" by the owner of the pub, which is more than 100 years old.

It came after parts of the structure on Marsh Street South had started to fall on to the pavement, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands.

The city council said they were exploring legal options after the owner was served with a dangerous structure notice.

Councillor Chris Robinson said the authority had "no choice" but to carry out the work to secure the building, adding the costs would be recovered from the owner.

"Our officers had no alternative but to remove the unique rendered finish due to the poor condition of the site and the unacceptable risk to any persons on the footpath," he said.

"The condition of the building remains the responsibility of the owner. We are exploring legal options and in the meantime will continue to monitor the condition of the building."

Robert Barrs, who owns Rubber Soul Records in the building next door, said people often took pictures of the front of the pub.

"I understand they had to do something because it wasn't safe and I think they might have had trouble tracing the owner, but the amount of visitors we used to get down here was unbelievable," he added.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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