Stripping out works is finally starting on the Three Tuns pub in Alcester damaged by fire
PRELIMINARY work has finally started on the Three Tuns pub in Alcester which was left devastated by fire in April 2021.
Concern was raised about the 17th century building in High Street after the burnt-out shell was left open to the elements, leaving the building to deteriorate and create an eyesore for traders and residents.
While the current work will not see the pub restored, internal debris, including asbestos, will be removed and additional scaffolding will be used in front of the grade-II listed building.
Work is expected to continue until the end of the month.
Lawrence Robinson, proprietor of Robinson Tailors in High Street, told the Herald: “It’s way overdue and spoils the look of the High Street. It’s a shame such a beautiful building has been in such a state of dereliction for so long. It will be lovely to get it restored and back to how it used to be.”
Once all the current work is completed, a survey will take place to plan for the building’s restoration.
Cllr Susan Juned, who represents Alcester Town Ward at Stratford District Council, said: “After over a year of seeing this building deteriorate and waiting for progress, I welcome the beginning of the strip-out of damaged materials.
“I look forward to seeing the whole building properly restored and functioning again as part of our local community.”
This year, Cllr Juned presented a petition from frustrated residents to the council asking for enforcement action to protect the building.
The popular, CAMRA-award winning pub had been run for several years by licensee Mandy Downes, but the building’s owner is believed to be based in Birmingham. In the six-month period after the fire, officers from SDC worked closely with the owner but the matter was escalated to the planning enforcement team in October 2021.
This week the council confirmed the case was still active, which meant it was unable to comment further.
A spokesperson for Stratford District Council said: “They are putting up new scaffolding to allow the stripping out of burnt debris and removal of asbestos they have identified, and all work is being agreed and monitored by our conservation and building control teams. Unfortunately, we don’t have a precise timetable yet [for the complete restoration works].”
The cause of the fire has never been established. Previously, a Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the cause had been recorded as ‘unknown’.
