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    ‘Derelict’ and ‘vandalised’ pub near Birmingham returns to life after 12 years

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    By Robson McCallister

    Copyright birminghammail

    'Derelict' and 'vandalised' pub near Birmingham returns to life after 12 years

    With closures across the region – the future can often look bleak in the pub trade – but one West Midlands boozer was brought back to life after 12 years. Located in the village of Bishop’s Itchington, The Great Western was a derelict pub which suffered arson attacks, vandalism and squatter problems. Plans to bring The Great Western back to life began last October when owner Shane Bland started investigations to purchase the building from The Crown Estate. Read More: Eastenders star spotted at popular Birmingham city centre restaurant Opening on September 6 with a day of sunshine, live music and community spirit, creative director Siobhan Dodd spoke to BirminghamLive about the previous condition of the ‘poor pub’. She said: “It had become derelict, it had become vandalised with various arson attacks and it even had squatters. “The police were frequently up to the site after being called by different members of the community. “The poor pub was subject to quite a lot over the past 12 years. When Shane began the process of taking on the pub, he started bordering it up to make it more secure.” From start to finish in 18 weeks, the pub was brought back to life with a full refurbishment including a new kitchen and plastering. One addition was a new model railway around The Great Western which pays homage to the pub’s past of serving railway workers. Siobhan added: “It happened so quick because we had local people and tradesmen who took pride in their work for a pub on their doorstep and to showcase their own work. “Over the years people have lost the understanding that the heart of the community is people. “On a Sunday morning, we now have mums bring in their children from sports and we even sponsor a rugby team. “After the dreaded c-word of Covid , we encourage people to meet and work at the pub. “It doesn’t have to be a Friday night, it could be a Tuesday morning to have a coffee with a friend. “We’re for each and every person and welcome for anyone from A-Z. “We’re not for one demographic, we’re for absolutely everyone and have the communities wants and needs at mind.” The Great Western is located on Deppers Bridge, Bishop’s Itchington, Southam CV47 2ST

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