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Drinkers bite back over cobs

Pubs across the Black Country are in a crusty mood over a looming threat to traditional cheese and onion cobs.

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Pubs across the Black Country are in a crusty mood over a looming threat to traditional cheese and onion cobs.

They are rallying behind regulars at the Beacon Hotel, in Tipton Road, Sedgley, who are battling to defend their favourite snack from the food police.

Join our campaign to save the cob - click here to send us your views by email, including your name and address

Cobs have been outlawed at the pub after inspectors found them being sold wrapped in film instead of from a fridge. Drinkers found the decision crazy and gathered 90 signatures on a petition in just four days.

Now, a landlord in Netherton has also got his teeth into the issue and offered to back the campaign by sending a food parcel as a tasty stop-gap.

Tim Newey, who runs Netherton's historic Olde Swan - also known as Ma Pardoe's - said he was shocked to hear the popular cobs had fallen foul of the food rules.

"The traditional pubs need to stick together and we'll make a food parcel to send up to them to show our support," he said.

"Cheese cobs are an institution. What I would like to know is how many people have died from eating a cheese cob in the past?" he asked.

"As long as they are prepared fresh on the day and sold within a reasonable time, I really can't see the problem.

"Cheese that's kept in a fridge is horrible anyway. A cob with a pint of beer on a summer's day - there's nothing finer," he added.

Council food inspectors say cobs on sale at pubs must be kept under temperature control.

Council spokesman Phil Parker said: "There is a legal requirement that such food should be refrigerated if it is on display for more than four hours."

But pub manager Melvyn Wood, who runs The Vine, in Brierley Hill, said he was baffled by the decision.

"It seems a bit silly to me and I can't understand why this has happened," he said.

"People like a cob with a beer and it's a shame to see them off the menu."

The Black Country Living Museum has also felt the effects of new-fangled food regulations in the past after the attraction was told its bakery was not up to modern standards, leaving freshly baked bread fit only to feed the birds.

Spokesman Fiona Carding said times had changed and hygiene regulations were much stricter.

"We are allowed to bake the bread but we can't actually sell it, so we end up giving it all to the animals," she said.

"When you smell the baked bread your taste buds go mad and everybody secretly wants to eat it, but we have to abide by the rules.

"Old-fashioned bakeries just wouldn't meet modern health and safety standards."

Your views:

"Save the Cob!!!" Melanie Edge, Chiswick, London

"I'm joining the campaign. Save our Cobs!!!" Richard Fulton, Islington, London

"When myself and my husband were younger we always used to go to the pub with our families and have a cheese cob. We used to love having a cob at the pub and they always tasted great! These days everything is blown out of proportion! Please keep the cobs!" Mrs & Mrs Redford

"As Tim Newey says "A cob with a pint of beer on a summer's day - there's nothing finer." He is so right long live the cheese and onion cob it's one of my favorites." dynamite40

"What about the Anchor at Caunsall? Some of the best cobs in the land. Slabs of cheese, beef, ham, served with a salad as well. Most of them are done fresh from the kitchen, but there are some cling filmed on the bar as well (or used to be) ! Cigarettes banned (your choice). Cobs banned. Next it will be beer. Then cider (my favourite). Followed by whisky (the chancellor's). Doing the ton is now almost criminal. Unless your a policeman. Pig roasts next, it might offend some people. It's not going well is it, this land of freedom, choice, and outsourced jobs. May the health and safety, keep us health and safe, but above all FREE." Richard Dunn

"Another case of ridiculous over policing. Who gave them such power over our lives!" Mandy Martinez

"ABSOLUTE MADNESS!! You can quote me on that!" Adam Willmott

"I am appalled by this crass decision. Someone somewhere needs to get a grip - common sense please prevail." Angela Barnes

"This is just a case of small minded petty individuals with nothing better to do than spoil other peoples enjoyment. I lived in the Black Country until I was 30 and ate a lot of cheese and onion cobs with no fridge. A lot of 'em! I enjoyed every mouthful and I was never ill. Keep up the fight against these little council busy boddies, the people must win in the end. Good luck to the Beacon where I have enjoyed the beer and the cobs in the past. DON'T GIVE UP THE FIGHT!!" Mark Smith, Ontario, Canada

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