Shut pub attacked by vandals

Now the owners of The Balds Lane Tavern, in Bald's Lane, Lye, are searching for a new tenant to run the business.

Marston's closed the pub after the tenant decided to stand down. But after just a few weeks standing empty, the building has already been targeted by yobs who have broken through wooden boards put up to protect the building and destroyed cigarette and fruit machines.

There have also been a series of attempted arson attacks at the building.

In the most recent incident, copper piping was stripped from the inside of the pub by thieves.

The brewery is now employing a caretaker to protect the site and it also plans to invest money in cleaning up the site in a bid to attract a new tenant.

Bosses hope to have the pub up and running within the next month – but have admitted it may take longer.

Brewery spokesman Scott Treasden said: "It is in a sad state of affairs at the moment but we are looking to get a new tenant to take over at the pub.

"There have been problems since the pub closed with arson attacks and thefts from the building.

"This is something we are taking measures to deal with including posting a caretaker at the site while the pub is empty.

"I am working with the view of getting the pub re-opened and with a new tenant in place in around a month's time.

"We will also be carrying out works to clean up the building in preparation for a new tenant moving in."

Mr Treasden said he had already met a surveyor to see what work was needed at the site.