Community Group Celebrates Victory After Council’s U-Turn on Historic Pub
A local community group wins a crucial battle to protect the White Lion pub from development after Walsall Council’s surprising change of heart
Caldmore, Walsall, White Lion, Community Group, Asset of Community Value
Caldmore: A historic pub is now protected from development. The White Lion on Sandwell Street has been granted Asset of Community Value (ACV) status. This victory comes after a local community group fought hard for it.
ACV status means the pub is important to the community. If the owners want to sell, they must first offer it to the community for up to five years.
The White Lion’s previous ACV status expired on November 15, 2024. Friends of the White Lion tried to renew it, but the council initially said no.
Council officers claimed the pub didn’t meet the criteria. They said it hadn’t been used recently and likely wouldn’t be used soon. The pub closed in 2020 and changed ownership but never reopened.
The Campaign for Real Ale criticized the council’s decision. They argued that the pub’s closure was due to the owners not opening it, not a lack of community interest.
After the refusal, Friends of the White Lion reapplied for ACV status. This time, they succeeded.
Mark Webster, the group’s chairman, expressed pride in the community’s efforts. He thanked everyone who supported the cause, especially the local CAMRA group.
Walsall Council has been asked for a statement regarding the situation.