THE roadworks which engulfed the Raven Inn at Glazebury have now finished and as predicted, the severely restricted access to the community pub has had a negative impact on business.
The road closure took place with little warning as the contractors strated the road works in the wrong order.
Spokesperson Peter Sturman commented: “It was very obvious the roadworks would adversely affect the Raven. September was a very poor month, particularly during the weeks when evening weekday access was denied for patrons from Culcheth direction.
“We maintain Warrington Borough Council (WBC) should have informed us of the POSSIBILITY of the roadworks twelve months prior to them starting. We know the work was scoped at least 16 months prior to it commencing.
As it was, we got 14 working days notice. Even then the advice contained mixed messages. What’s more, it was only on the second day of the roadworks that we got the definitive direction on vehicular access, after we and Gary Stentelbery had chased the council up.
“There was no opportunity for any contingency planning.
“We intend formally writing to WBC. We have delayed that a little as we are aware the council have had their hands full debating a proposed traveller’s site.
“Since the roadworks have finished business has picked up. We are fortunate to have very loyal patrons who stuck with us during this really difficult period.
“Everyone at the pub is working very hard to repair the damage and we are extremely grateful to all the people who are visiting the pub now they are not having their access barred by outside influences.
“As the pub seeks to get back on its feet, we welcome all patrons, old and new, to come along and support the Raven Inn Community pub and have a good time, a nice drink and an excellent meal, at the same time.
“We will kick December off with a Christmas Fair inside the space above the pub, on Sunday 1st December.”