RAGING residents are calling on brewery bosses to remove the name of the legendary Duncan Edwards from a derelict pub - branding it `disgraceful' and `disrespectful'.
Priory protesters have now joined forces with ward councillors to get the name of the town's most famous son taken off the boarded up Priory Road public house.
The rundown Punch Taverns establishment was closed just before Christmas but has become a target for vandals, arsonists and unruly youths.
With the imminent visit of Sir Bobby Charlton next month to open a new £100,000 footie facility opposite the eyesore, organisers are determined to get the problem sorted.
Friends of Priory Park chairman Janet Alderman Rowe said: "The pub in its present state is an utter disgrace.
"This man is an icon in Dudley and his memory is very vivid on the estate - so does this pub really signify his life? No it doesn't and we want to see action taken.
"If it's not removed it will be very embarrassing when Sir Bobby drives down Priory Road and sees it."
Outraged ward councillor Margaret Aston has also taken up the fight and is eager something is done with the rundown site.
She said: "To see Duncan Edwards' name attached to the building is terrible and no way to remember his life.
"Since the pub closed we've had serious problems with antisocial behaviour and there has been at least two attempted arson attacks this month.
"Unless something is done urgently with the site it will be come nothing other than a drugs' den."
Punch Taverns' bosses have attempted to ease residents' fears.
A spokesman said: "We recognise the concerns of local residents and are in the process of recruiting for the pub with the intention to have it reopened as soon as possible.
"In the meantime the site has been secured and we will look to invest in the property once a suitable licensee has been found."
Source: thisistheblackcountry.co.uk, January 2006