Hundreds back petition to 'save' renowned Wolverhampton sports pub

The online petition, regarding The Cleveland Arms on Stowheath Lane in Moseley Village in Wolverhampton, was set up 24 hours ago and has already seen 250 people pen their names to it as of Monday (May 19) evening.

The petition, which is titled "Save The Cleveland Arms", said the pub was "turning into a Toby Carvery".

The Cleveland Arms has a more than 100-year history and in that time has hosted many famous faces, including Wolves legends Steve Bull and Andy Mutch and star actor, Idris Elba.

The petition, set up by customer Jane Hancock, reads: "The Cleve is the last great pub in our community. It's a place where friends gather to watch all the major sports tournaments, weekly football, have a meal and socialise in a safe, friendly environment.

"People gather there for all the major sporting events, Christmas and new years eve. Not forgetting the £90,000 that has been  raised for charity by will over the years. 

"They have two darts teams that will have to find somewhere else to run from. It is the hub of our community."

It added: "I am asking for signatures to save this wonderful pub that has been in the heart of our community for 100 years. It's within walking distance for everyone on East Park, Eastfield and Deansfield areas."

Petitioner Jane has been a customer at The Cleveland Arms - which is run by Sizzling Pub and Grill - for around 10 years and meets her friends there twice a week.

She told the Express & Star: "There are a lot of people who go in The Cleveland, not just young people. I'm 61 this year and we go with a group of our friends who are all of similar ages.

“It's the only decent pub that is round here, there is never any trouble. If there is the slightest sign of anything escalating they are taken out and they are not allowed back in so you feel safe in there. 

“There is all the major tournaments, the Euros the World Cups - we all go in for that. The atmosphere is fantastic, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else for it. There are pool tables and they are always full, they sell food and there is lovely food for the money."

The Express & Star has contacted Mitchells & Butlers - which runs Toby Carvery and Sizzling Pub and Grill - for comment.