Petition launched to save Warwickshire pub after fire

The Crabmill in Henley-in-Arden was devastated by a fire in February last year and has been boarded up ever since, with the pubco stating “economic pressures” meant it could not “replace what it had lost”.

However, earlier this month, members of the local community started an online petition on Change.org to save the site, which reportedly dates back to the 17th century,

The Change.org page reads: “Brunning and Price are not looking to restore this to a pub due to the cost of redevelopment.

“As a local community and clientele who used the pub, we are hoping to get enough support to show this is an asset of community value.

Beautiful pub

“This would guarantee us a seat at the bidding table and six months to assemble a bid which would then mean it would give the bidder the opportunity to purchase the site to restore it to the beautiful pub it once was.

“If you would like to see the Crabmill restored to a pub, please sign this petition and forward it on to any other supporters.”

The appeal has received more than 900 signatures so far.

A statement from owners Brunning and Price on the pub’s website stated: “It is with great sadness we announce we will not be rebuilding the Crabmill at Preston Bagot.

“In February of last year an accidental fire occurred in the pub. Thankfully no one was injured but much of the building was destroyed.

Economic pressures 

“We had hoped we could save sections of the pub but professional advice led to the remainder of the building being deemed so badly damaged that it too cannot be saved.

“Since then, working with the insurers, planning consultants and designers we have attempted to pull together suitable plans to reinstate the pub."

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene in February following a call regarding a fire in the kitchen and utility area.

Firefighters have been busy dealing with a fire at a pub in Henley this morning. The initial call was to a fire in the kitchen and utility area. Eight appliances from various stations attended along with a turntable ladder and water carrier. The incident has now been scaled down. pic.twitter.com/Fv5YUyuWJN

— Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (@WarksFireRescue) February 28, 2022

The Brunning and Price statement continued: “Due to current economic pressures the cost of rebuilding has inflated significantly over recent months, and we feel we could not now successfully replace what we had lost.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Preston Bagot and the surrounding villages for their custom over the years.”