VILLAGERS in Loudwater fear their 'only remaining pub' could become the next 'Crooked House', an 18th century pub which burned down earlier this year.

It comes after an MP demanded better protection for heritage pubs after the wonky Crooked House pub in the West Midlands burned down on August 5.

A man in his 30s from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, was one of two people arrested on suspicion of arson after the beloved pub in Himley went up in flames.

The Crooked House pub was totally demolished without permission two days later, with Staffordshire Police treating the fire as arson. Campaigners are calling for it to be rebuilt.

Closer to home in Loudwater, a group of villagers have come together to fight to save the Derehams Inn from becoming flats.

ALSO READ: Villagers continue fight to save pub as there's 'nowhere to socialise'

They used the example of The Crooked House fearing The Derehams Inn "could be next" if it doesn't get the protection it deserves.

Mick Parsons of The Derehams Inn Community Group, said: "We are hoping to raise as much awareness as possible, both locally and nationally, not just in the hope of raising the funds we desperately need, but also to try to avoid a similar plight to the Crooked House pub in Himley, Staffordshire, which mysteriously burned down before it could be saved by the local community.”

Conservative Marco Longhi, who represents Dudley North, said the events “struck a very real chord of sadness and anger” among his constituents.

Speaking during business questions, he asked the Commons Leader for a debate to see “what this place can do to better protect these heritage pubs”.

He argued, “this is an ongoing trend across the country”.

Marco Longhi said in the House of Commons: “The building known as the Crooked House pub was built in 1765.

“It was symbolic of the region’s industrial heritage and home to tens of thousands’ individual personal memories.

“Soon after its sale, the Crooked House was subjected to an arson attack, followed by unlawful demolition, notwithstanding the local council’s instructions not to do so.

“This is an ongoing trend across the country. Can we have a debate please in Government time to see what this place can do to better protect these heritage pubs?”

Penny Mordaunt replied: “Can I thank him for raising this important point and I hope that the approval for the question that I have just heard across the floor of the House was audible because I think and I hope I speak for all of us, this appalling incident that is subject to still a police investigation, where also roads to the pub appear to have been blocked to prevent emergency vehicles from getting to the scene of the fire.

“I think I hope I speak for all us when I say this is an absolutely appalling and disgraceful situation.

“I was encouraged by the statement that Andy Street (Mayor of West Midlands) put out to say that this is going to be dealt with and if it turns out that there has been foul play, people will be held to account and I’m sure that if he applied for a debate, it would be extremely well attended and he has the support of everyone in this place.”