The Brickmakers Arms in Balsall Common is among a list of pubs locals are campaigning to protect from future closure due to either financial reasons or potential redevelopment.

It follows an urgent call put out by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) who asked communities to put forward pubs that must be saved at all costs.

In just 14 days, the campaign received 155 nominations, 65 of which were in the West Midlands.

However, 41 of the 65 do not have a protection listing attached to them meaning they are vulnerable to a potential sale.

The WMCA and CAMRA launched the campaign to better protect the region's public houses in the wake of the fire and subsequent demolition of the famous Crooked House in Himley, Staffordshire.

The 'List Your Local' initiative encourages residents to submit applications for Historic England and assets of community value listing.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: "I am pleased to see submissions to protect the region's most-loved pubs steadily growing.

"I asked members of the public to get in touch because while we believe we have already identified some of the most at risk historical pubs in the region, we need to make sure we are helping to protect the right venues.

"I am keen to not just protect these wonderfully historic buildings but also safeguard the heart and soul of our communities."

The initiative has been launched following the fire and demolition of the Crooked House in Himley (image via SWNS)

As well as reviewing historical sites, the review by the WMCA and CAMRA also explores how local plans can be better utilised to protect pubs and to ensure those that are illegally shut down or demolished are rebuilt 'brick by brick'. There are two forms of listings which are designed to augment pub protection status – Historic England listings and assets of community value listings.

Listings managed by Historic England, the agency that looks after the country's historic environment, are protected by legislation.

Demolition or alterations of listed buildings without planning permission is subject to a two-year prison sentence or unlimited fine.

Gary Timmins, director of CAMRA pub & club campaigns, said: "To see the outstanding response from the public to protect their local in such a short timescale is testament to how important pubs are across the West Midlands. 

"This is the first step in our partnership with the WMCA to protect our pubs and work towards changes being made to planning legislation. Ultimately helping people to save their local and safeguard essential and valuable social community assets. 

"I would urge people to continue to submit information so we can continue to work towards a thriving pub scene, vital to communities across the region." 

The Bull's Head in Earlswood was also included in the list.

(Header image by Richard Law via geograph.org.uk)