Pub named in memory of former Sandwell Mayor

The William Archer, formerly known as The George, opened its doors on Upper High Street in Wednesbury – where Bill Archer served for 36 years.

Family and friends of the long-serving councillor took part in the opening ceremony.

Bill Archer died aged 91 in June.

Daughter Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection at Sandwell Council, raised a glass with landlady Claire Livesey, along with a picture of her father.

She said: "To be honest, my dad was 91 in June and he had an inkling the pub might be named after him and he was thrilled to bits.

"The public voted for the pub to be named after him – he was very popular and the nice thing is that my grandmother Maggie worked in their and another family member, so it has got a brilliant connection. It's such a nice pub and we're thrilled to bits as a family.

"The brewery rang me and sad 'we're considering naming the pub after your father' and it was a bit of a shock. It was a wonderful surprise.

"They held a survey and it came back as The William Archer.

"It's just a thrill to see my dad's name up in Wednesbury.

"The reason why I got involved was because when my dad was a councillor, he was one for 36 years, going back about 20 years, I remember going to one of his surgeries and those kids were like 'alright Bill, how are you?'

"Those kids are going in the pub now to raise a drink to him and it's incredible.

"We're proud, delighted and we miss him so so much. He loved politics and he was very supportive of his children – he supported me 110 per cent. Just wonderful."