Shop and housing plan passed for Leathern Bottle site in Bloxwich

A new pub, shop and residential complex, which will create up to 10 new jobs in Bloxwich, has been passed by planning chiefs.

The trouble-hit former Leathern Bottle pub will be pulled down to make way for a new three-storey L-shaped building in Cresswell Crescent.

Walsall Council's planning committee approved the ambitious scheme at a meeting last night.

The former pub, which was hit with problems in 2009, will be replaced with a new pub, retail space and nine flats.

There were two police raids and Class A drugs were recovered at the building three years ago.

Speaking in favour of the plans last night, Bloxwich Councillor Fred Westley said: "There are a number of derelict properties in all our areas. Almost anything which improves the area, I would be in favour of. "

He said the pub had been hit by anti-social behaviour and residents had campaigned to get it demolished.