CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the historic Raven Inn at Glazebury, near Warrington, are gearing up for a renewed battle after spotting some people surveying the building.
A member of the group had a word with the surveyors and learned they work for Wilmslow-based Survey Systems.
But they were unable to shed any light on the reason for the survey.
Peter Sturman, of the Save the Raven group said: “As a result, we are ramping up our preparedness to battle to save the Raven for a second time.
“We have always been totally consistent in our determination to save and preserve the Raven. Also to vehemently oppose any development plans.”
Mr Sturman said the campaigners were in a stronger position than last year when they managed to persuade Warrington Borough Council to designate the pub as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
“It seems a little strange that another developer may be considering ripping up the Raven site for houses or flats. The ACV was granted on July 22, last year and remains in force for five years.
“In reaching their conclusion Warrington Borough Council (WBC) quite clearly refers to the Raven as “an operational public house” – not as a couple of flats, which may be something put forward in the future, as a sop to our arguments.
“The entire point of the ACV is that it covers the entire building. It is the building that is so precious to our history and heritage, not just the façade.
“The ACV does not offer cast iron protection but it will be something WBC must take into account in any future planning application. We are confident WBC will take their own advice, when deciding upon any such planning application.
“Needless to say we will also need a raft of local objections, if it does get to that stage. Nearly 500 local residents opposed the previous planning application. The fact that our supporters immediately identified and spoke to the surveyors should serve notice that we are as committed to saving the Raven as we have ever been.
“The existence of the ACV, together with the incredible mobilisation of all our community, last time round, does put us in a much stronger position. Obviously we would have to see exactly what may be proposed – at present we need to prepare for the worst.
“We remain a positive option for the owners and a pretty good moral option. We have made two offers for the Raven, the second above current market value. We have been open to meaningful discussion right from the start of this process.”
