Travellers “invade” Raven Inn car park

TRAVELLERS have moved onto the car park at the vacant Raven Inn at Glazebury, Warrington.
The “invasion” has alarmed members of the Save the Raven campaign who are fighting proposals to convert the old pub into residential accommodation or demolish it to make way for houses.
Campaign spokesman Peter Sturman said: “We are very concerned to hear that travellers have occupied the Raven car park.
“It is a shame the Raven has been unoccupied since early this year. This was always going to make it vulnerable. If only the owners had negotiated with us when we made very substantial offers, over the last year.
“Whilst the community does not own the Raven, it seems like it has almost become the custodian of this iconic building, particularly since the owners moved out .It is concerning that the car park was left insecure.
“This latest episode just highlights how very important it is for the community to secure ownership of the Raven and lavish our care and attention on this most deserving building.The Raven must be brought back to life”
Residents have been campaigning to save the 450-year-old inn for several years and have raised funds to enable the community to purchase it.
They claim to have even offered to pay “over the odds” for the attractive, black-and-white half-timbered building.
At least two plans have been put forward by prospective developers who want to build houses on the site.
But the campaigners have strengthened their case by getting the building registered as an asset of community value.