Burn Bullock owners called ‘uncooperative’ as works to secure burnt out pub begin

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

Merton council has begun work assessing the extent of damage from a fire which ravaged a historic pub on April 19.

But, residents say efforts to secure it are being delayed due a “lack of engagement” from the pub’s owners.

The current condition of the Burn Bullock in London Road, is too dangerous for officers to enter and properly begin the investigation. But, Merton council has reassured residents that “officers from across all agencies are working round the clock” to secure the building.

Fears around falling debris are another reason behind the pressing need to secure the site. Hoardings will need to be installed around the premises to ensure the safety of pedestrians walking along the pavement in Cricket Green and London Road.

The responsibility to secure and install these hoardings rests with the building’s owners, Phoenix Group Investments Limited. Mitcham residents have said the owners have so far been uncooperative in efforts to secure the site.

At a meeting called by Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage Group (MCGCH) at the parish church, the group’s treasurer Tony Burton expressed his concern over the lack of engagement from the owners.

The near radio silence from Phoenix has meant Merton council has had to step in and take on the responsibility. Following the meeting Burton said: “We can see no future for the Burn Bullock and cricket pavilion in the hands of the current owners.

“We have asked Merton council to step up, demand the listed building is repaired and compulsorily purchase the site when nothing is done. These are powers they have and can use. Mitcham needs the Burn Bullock back at the heart of its community.”

On April 3, Merton council said: “This work is contingent on the ownership of the site. Because the site is privately-owned, this severely restricts what the council is able, legally and practically, to do at this stage.

“Due to the building’s Grade II Listing, restoration will be extremely costly. All options need to be carefully examined.”

Alongside the Burn Bullock, Phoenix owns the neighbouring Cricket Pavilion and Windmill Pub. The town hall said that in the nearly 15 years of Phoenix’s ownership, the council has made repeated attempts, and issued legal orders, to compel the freeholders to act to repair it.

At that time no action was taken by the freeholder. The council also issued a notice to cease occupancy of the building and the unauthorised activity taking place in the yard outside the pub.

Merton council is working with Historic England towards the future restoration of the pub. While the damage was extensive, it is understood that the building’s most historic elements were least affected.

The MCGCH has also urged the council to make a similar order for the Cricket Pavilion, which sits behind the Burn Bullock.

Phoenix’s representative Kam Baig said: “We are currently working with Merton council to secure the site.”

The site of the Burn Bullock remains an active crime scene and is under 24-hour surveillance from the Met. The council has also asked that the public refrain from speculating publicly about the cause of the fire to ensure the fairness of the police investigation.

The MCGCH has also set up an appeal page to support the refurbishment of the historic pub. The appeal page can be found here.

Pictured top: The Burn Bullock caught fire around 6pm on April 19 (Picture: Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage)