Historic pubs in Dudley should be placed on a special protection list to save them from the bulldozer, say real ale buffs.

Boozers such as Ma Pardoe’s in Netherton and The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley are among those the Dudley branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) says should be protected.

Although neither of the watering holes are at risk, Camra says because of their historical significance they should be awarded locally-listed status to preserve them for the future.

The branch is keen for Dudley Council to follow the example of Wolverhampton which is considering placing 32 pubs onto it’s local list.

If a building is locally listed the council can stop developers from knocking it down and request any conversion is sympathetic.

Chairman of Dudley Camra, Stan Stephens, said: “I am very much in favour of our historic pubs being given locally listed status by the council.