ANOTHER fire ripped through derelict pub the Merrivale in Oldbury last night.

The blaze at the former Merrivale pub in Vicarage Road started at around 11pm yesterday (Monday) - and is the second fire there in just a week.

Just last Tuesday (May 7) the building was gutted by what was believed to be an arson attack.

Last night saw four fire engines attend the scene, with firefighters using a hydraulic platform to fight the flames, which were on the first floor and in the roof space of the building.

West Midlands Fire tweeted at around 11.12pm: "We currently have 4 pumps and 1 aerial appliance in attendance at a fire at the Merrivale PH on Crosswells Road, Oldbury.

"Fire involves 1st floor and roof space of the building. Currently we have 2 breathing apparatus, 1 hose reel and 1 main jet in use."

An hour later the fire service took to twitter to warn people to avoid the area due to road closures.


Just last Tuesday (May 7) the building was gutted by what was believed to be an arson attack.

Plans to convert the derelict pub into a Hindu temple had been lodged with Sandwell Council, but were withdrawn in February.

The pub, which has sat empty for around five years, was described as an 'eyesore' in planning papers.