Fordrough pub landlady quits pub where father-of-two was killed

Apr 30 2009 by Edward Chadwick

THE pub where dad-of-two Tracy McConnell was killed may reopen with a new name and a family-friendly atmosphere, licensing bosses have been told.

But Kath Keen, landlady of the Fordrough, in West Heath, said she had been devastated over Mr McConnell’s death and no longer wanted to run it.

Magistrates closed the Fordrough last month after the 46-year-old died in hospital from head injuries he suffered during a brawl outside.

A meeting of city councillors to discuss the future of the pub was adjourned to allow owners Enterprise Inns to come up with proposals to reopen it in the future.

Solicitor Richard Taylor, on behalf of Enterprise, said: “Nobody in this room wants to see the pub open immediately.

“We recognise that there needs to be a period of reflection and calm.

“We need time to speak to the police and see if there’s a way of opening this pub in the future.”

Mr McConnell, who was said to be acting as a peacemaker, suffered head injuries after violence erupted outside the pub in Redhill Road on March 20.

Up to 20 people were said to have been involved in the fighting.

He leaves behind a wife, Sharon, and two daughters, aged nine and four.

Police were granted emergency powers to close the pub two days later after they told a district judge that they had been called to the premises 65 times in 14 months. A 1,400-name petition calling for the pub to remain shut was handed to councillors.

Ben Williams, on behalf of West Midlands Police, said the force would support a new licensee providing the pub’s name was changed.

“Enterprise Inns needs time to discuss with the police putting a new tenant in place and how they will change the focus for the community away from the type of atmosphere that led to this tragedy,” he said.

“They need to be mindful of the fact that they are in a residential area and surrounded by families.”