Vandal-hit old Wednesbury pub facing demolition for new homes

The former Cottage Inn located in Hobs Road, Wednesbury, was once considered a 'garden pub' but fell into disrepair and has stood empty for 10 years.

But now new owners have taken over the property and there are plans to turn the site into apartments.

The move has been welcomed by ward councillors, who led a campaign calling for the site to be cleared up.

Wednesbury North councillor Peter Hughes, said: "I think the sooner they put the spade in the ground and get it off the ground, the better.

"It has been such a detriment to the local community."

A planning application has been submitted to Sandwell Council to demolish the current property and build apartments in its place, said Councillor Hughes.

A Sandwell Council report said ownership of the property has 'very recently changed hands'.

The new owners will carry out work to tidy up the premises while they await the outcome of their application, the report said.

"The new owners have given an undertaking to carry out some remedial works while they await approval of their planning application.

"The proposed works include securing both the site boundary and the former pub itself at ground floor level."

The former pub currently lies in a state of disrepair.

Its windows and doors are missing and rubbish has been left lying strewn across the premises.

Residents living nearby complained that youths regularly break onto the site and start fires, prompting fears for their safety and the need for firefighters to be called out to the scene.

As part of the campaign launched by councillors, a petition was launched calling on action to be taken which saw more than 80 people give their signature.

The plans will be a welcome development for the community living nearby, said fellow Wednesbury North councillor Tony Meehan.

"It needs something desperate," he said.

"It will be welcome development for the community."