250 years of history set to disappear

West Bromwich's oldest pub, The Sow & Pigs, is more than 250 years old, but it could be bulldozed to make way for housing, the Express & Star can reveal.

Landlord Paul Wood says its owners have told him a planning application will be lodged for four homes on the site in Hill Top.

He said he will be forced out by a weekly rent increase from £326 to £440, which he cannot afford. Meanwhile, developers behind proposals to build a £6 million pound apartment block on the site of The Tannery pub in Walsall have released an artist impression of how the complex will look if the scheme gets the nod.

Gora Developments wants to demolish the building and create 30 apartment homes on the site.

Leading historian Terry Price says the loss of landmark local watering holes is proof that the traditional pub is under threat like never before.

"If it goes then it's a real shame, because this type of pub is gradually dying out. I wouldn't be surprised if it was yet another victim of the ridiculous price of beer in supermarkets and the smoking ban."

Landlord Mr Wood said: "My area manager has told me there's a planning application in to build four houses here. I cannot believe they are talking about getting rid of it, because as far as I know it is the oldest pub in West Bromwich.

"They've put my rent up so much that there's no way I can pay it. What will probably happen is that I will have to leave, the pub will fall into a state of disrepair and then they'll get planning permission because it has become a eyesore."

Simon Baylis, from the firm managing the pub, County Estate Management, said: "We are looking for the best possible outcome for the landlord and the tenant that will enable the pub to continue to trade positively, given the difficult current market conditions."

Meanwhile, the proposed complex on the site of The Tannery pub off the A34 Green Lane in Walsall has raised objections from residents and traders in neighbouring properties.

Architects Cousins & Wojciechowski have come up with the designs for the three-tiered 10-storey block in Burrowes Street.

Architect Marek Wojciechowski said: "The Tannery Pub had a terrible record of anti-social behaviour. Nobody I've spoken to wants it back."

Walsall's development control committee is due to discuss the plans next month.