Repair works stall at historic pub damaged by fire

A historic pub in south London that was badly damaged in a fire remains under 24-hour police surveillance while the cause is investigated.

Some 80 firefighters battled the flames after being called to the Burn Bullock in Mitcham on 19 April.

Merton Council has begun work to assess the extent of the damage caused by the fire - but concern has been raised that a “lack of engagement” from the pub’s owners is delaying efforts to secure the building.

A representative for owners Phoenix Group Investments Limited told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We are currently working with Merton Council to secure the site.”

Concern over the lack of engagement from the owners was raised at a meeting called by Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage Group, according to the LDRS.

The current condition of the pub is too dangerous for officers to enter the site and properly begin the investigation.

But the council has reassured residents that “officers from across all agencies are working round the clock to make sure the building is secure”.

Legal responsibility for making the building safe rests with the building’s owners but the council stepped in to do this.

The Grade II listed building has been closed for 10 years but has interior features which date to the 1500s and an 18th Century exterior, according to Historic England.

The council said it was actively working with Historic England to work towards the future restoration of the pub.

While the damage was extensive, it is understood that the building’s most historic elements were least affected.

The site of the Burn Bullock remains an active crime scene and is under 24-hour surveillance from the Metropolitan Police.

The council has also asked that the public refrain from speculating publicly about the cause of the fire to ensure the fairness of the police investigation.

According to Merton Council's archives, it was named after Burnett "Burn" Bullock, a former Surrey cricketer who later became licensee for the pub when it was known as the King's Head.

Bullock was also a player and committee member of the Mitcham Cricket Club, and his wife continued to run the pub after his death in 1954.

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