A RAFT of historic pubs across Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen areas have been put forward for special protection in response to campaign to save much-loved locals from closure.

The ‘List Your Local’ campaign launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has received more than 155 nominations in just two weeks.

As a result, there are now 65 individual pubs on the list – 25 of which are considered so valuable they already have Historic England heritage listed status.

The remaining 40, however, have no protection at all.

The WMCA and CAMRA launched the campaign to better protect the region’s public houses in the wake of the destruction of the famous Crooked House at Himley, which was gutted by fire and subsequently bulldozed.

In the Dudley area – 17 cherished pubs have been put forward for the ‘List Your Local’ campaign which has been encouraging residents to submit applications for Historic England and asset of community value listing.

They include legendary real ale pub Ma Pardoes (The Old Swan Inn) in Netherton, The Plough Inn in Wollaston, Stourbridge, which was visited by Wild West legend Buffalo Bill in 1904, and The Waterfall at Cradley Heath – part of the Holden’s Brewery portfolio.

The WMCA and CAMRA have drawn up a ‘target list’ of suitable heritage pubs, which, alongside the public’s recommendations, will be examined on a case-by-case basis to see if and how they can be protected. 

Options include heritage listing, asset of community value listing, or community ownership.  

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chairperson of the combined authority, said: “I am pleased to see submissions to protect the region’s most-loved pubs steadily growing.  

“I asked members of the public to get in touch because while we believe we have already identified some of the most at risk historical pubs in the region, we need to make sure we are helping to protect the right venues.  

“I am keen to not just protect these wonderfully historic buildings but also safeguard the heart and soul of our communities.”  

The campaign follows a report by the WMCA, due to be published soon, which will focus on the preservation of pubs across the West Midlands.  

Gary Timmins, director of CAMRA pub and club campaigns, said: “To see the outstanding response from the public to protect their local in such a short timescale is testament to how important pubs are across the West Midlands.

"This is the first step in our partnership with the WMCA to protect our pubs and work towards changes being made to planning legislation. Ultimately helping people to save their local and safeguard essential and valuable social community assets.

"I would urge people to continue to submit information so we can continue to work towards a thriving pub scene, vital to communities across the region."