Cheers! Campaigners celebrate saving historic Raven Inn at auction

CAMPAIGNERS are today celebrating after securing the historic Raven Inn at Glazebury with the winning bid of £278,000 at auction.

After a lengthy campaign to save the building from demolition to make way for two different housing developments, local campaigners have finally achieved their dream of owning the building.

Save the Raven Inn campaign spokesman Peter Sturman said: “It has been a long hard fight but finally the community has saved the Raven.

“This is a huge victory for every single member of our community. All of those people who attended the public meetings; Every one of the hundreds of people who objected to the planning applications; The nearly 1,000 people in the support group; The very substantial number of people, across our community, who have maintained their support, determination and doggedness over the years; Our local, cross-party, politicians who have always been very vociferous and active in their support; Last but not least, our fantastic local media, including Warrington Worldwide / Culcheth Life, who have always reported very fairly & consistently. Ensuring the plight of the Raven has always been at the forefront of our news.

“The associated history, heritage and place within our community, past, present and future have been very well documented over the last three and a bit years.

“As time has gone on, I think the growing sense of injustice has spurred us all on.

“Injustice at the Raven apparently being run down, in its latter years.

“Injustice at all the fixtures and fittings being removed and sold. Sometimes literally ripped out.

“Injustice at the Raven being severely damaged inside.

“Injustice at the broken windows & lead and copper being removed from the Raven.

“Injustice at someone going in, when it was insecure, and ripping out the wiring.

“Injustice that the community’s offers to purchase the Raven in 2019, 2020, 2021 and again this year, were refused. All offers since 2019 were well over the odds and in excess of the auction sale price.

Peter added: “The Raven did not need to be placed in the hands of receivers, It did not need to be subjected to the disgraceful treatment over the last few years. It could have been purchased, cared for and loved by a community who were desperate to do just that.

“We have said, time and time again, it could have been a win-win for all parties concerned.

“On the night the travellers finally departed, a colleague and I stood outside the front of a poor, neglected and tired-looking Raven. We knew that one day we would be standing on the same spot, beer in hand, outside a vibrant, buzzing, bright and happy Raven. Were we being romantic and unrealistic? Romantic, yes! Unrealistic, no!

“That colleague is one of the people who have stumped up the cash to purchase the Raven. You don’t arrive at that position in life by being a fool, far from it!

“We fully appreciate the challenge and sheer hard work ahead. The fact is, it’s not going to be easy.

“Our community has consistently shown incredible strength and determination. Even before this successful bid, we had people coming forward offering their services, expertise and elbow grease.

“Look at what our community has already achieved. With people like that behind the effort, you start from a position of strength.

“We also have incredible examples of very successful community pubs throughout the UK. Within those is an army of people who have already trodden the path upon which we are about to take our first steps. People who are only too happy to share their experiences and advice. That is priceless.

“The Raven Inn will, once again, host patrons from near and far. A homely, happy place, welcoming everyone (and their dog).”

Local Cllr Wendy Maisey added: “This is a long-awaited day worthy of a celebration! It has been quite some journey with many highs and lows along the way since becoming involved with Save the Raven group in 2019. Throughout this time, I’ve never failed to be blown away by the determination and sense of community shown by Peter, the steering group and all the volunteers.

“Today marks a clear way forward and with the future of this amazing historic building in our village secured, we’re all now looking forward to the next chapter.”