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Black Country lock maker supports Crooked House campaigners

BBC John Squire, chief executive of Squire LocksBBC
John Squire, chief executive of Squire Locks, arranged for the locks to be donated

A lock-making business has helped campaigners who want to preserve the remains of a fire-damaged pub by donating a set of padlocks.

There were shockwaves when the 18th Century Crooked House at Himley, in Staffordshire, was burnt down and then demolished in August.

Campaigners who hope to see it rebuilt had 25,000 of its bricks put aside in storage containers.

Squire Locks said it hoped the locks would keep them secure.

The chief executive of the Featherstone-based business, John Squire, said: "We thought it would be a great story for us to donate those locks."

Paul Turner, who has been involved in the campaign to restore the former pub, said: "Everybody unites for the Crooked House."

The pub was known for its wonky structure and sloping floors, caused by mining subsidence. A 27,000-strong Facebook group he helps to moderate received support from all over the world.

PA Media The Crooked House on firePA Media
The Crooked House, known for its sloping walls and floor, was demolished less than two days after the fire broke out in August

The fire which destroyed the former pub has been treated as suspected arson by Staffordshire Police.

Five men and one woman previously arrested as part of the investigation all remain on conditional bail.

South Staffordshire Council has said matters have been referred to its legal team with the view of taking enforcement action.

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