Crooked House company director steps down

The pub set alight in August 2023

A director of the company that owned the demolished Crooked House pub has stepped down.

Companies House said director Carly Taylor resigned from her position as director of ATE Farms Limited on 15 December.

A fire at the pub in Himley on 5 August is being investigated as arson. It was demolished less than 48 hours later, prompting anger from residents and former customers.

Staffordshire Police said its investigation into the fire was ongoing.

The 18th Century pub, near Dudley, was known for its sloping walls and floor, caused by mining subsidence in the area.

The pub was demolished shortly after the fire, causing public outcry

The pub was bought from Marstons in July by ATE Farms Limited nine days before the fire.

The company's current sole director is now listed as George Adam Taylor.

Staffordshire Police said five men and one woman arrested in connection with the fire remain on conditional bail.

A woman, 34, and a man, 44, both also from Leicestershire, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Three other men, aged 66, 51 and 33, had been held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

And in October, a 23-year-old man, from Leicestershire, was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered.