Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has written to the leader of South Staffordshire council asking them to require the purchasers of the Crooked House to rebuild the property brick by brick.

Mr Street has also asked the leader to block any attempt to change the use of the site, saying the pub holds ‘real and historical interest for the West Midlands’.

The landmark building was destroyed by fire late on Saturday evening. Photos emerged on social media on Monday showing a large pile of rubble where the pub once stood, shocking locals and former customers. Mr Street said:

“[I’ve] asked South Staffordshire Council to ensure the Crooked House Pub is rebuilt brick by brick and any attempt to change its use blocked.

“We will not let the Crooked House be consigned to history.

“We believe that great pubs have immense cultural and historical value here in the West Midlands - and we should be taking steps to protect and preserve their heritage.

“The reaction of so many of you to the tragic fire at The Crooked House tells us we're not alone. We’re on it.”

It is not yet clear who demolished the building, which was sold by previous owner Marston's to a private buyer, it was revealed last month.

Mr Street cited a similar case at the Punchbowl Inn, in Lancashire where the local authority demanded the property owners rebuild the pub after they demolished it, saying they didn’t want to ‘wait for the council’ to make a decision on its future.

The Mayor has also written to the Chief Constable of South Staffordshire Police and Chief Fire Officer of South Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service asking to be kept informed of developments.

The Crooked House was originally a farmhouse and was built in 1765. During the early 19th century, mining in the area caused one side of the building to begin gradually sinking.