CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save a historic pub from demolition say that offers to buy the building have been made, despite claims from its owners.

New plans to demolish the Raven Inn in Glazebury, which dates back more than 450 years to 1562, have been revealed.

While an application for planning permission to build 10 homes on the site were withdrawn in March last year, a new scheme seeks to construct seven houses in place of the Warrington Road pub.

Warrington Guardian:

This latest submission states that there has been ‘little interest in purchasing the building’ since it was put on the market in July last year.

But the Help Save the Raven Inn group, which was formed in response to the original plans, says that it has made several offers to purchase the pub above the market value – offers which remain on the table.

A campaign spokesman said: “On August 5 2019, the Help Save the Raven group had the Raven surveyed by an independent chartered surveyor who has over 30 years of experience in the field.

“The Raven was valued at £230,000 and an offer was made at this valuation plus VAT – this offer was rejected.

“We increased our offer to £280,000 plus VAT – sadly, that was also refused.

“During the summer, two local supporters proposed purchasing the Raven, then leasing it back to the community for no financial gain.

“In June, they made an offer of £325,000 plus VAT for the Raven – this was also rejected.

“It should be noted that this offer was £50,000 above what the owners paid for a fully functioning pub and £95,000 above the market value.

“This offer would not require mortgage lending so could be completed very quickly, this offer also remains open.

“These revelations drive a coach and horses through the recent planning application – the fact is, there have been serious, substantial offers to purchase the Raven to continue as a pub.

“The Raven has been listed as under offer with the agent continually since at least the start of December 2019.

“Such a listing, for such a length of time, seems very strange – it is extremely likely to deter any would-be purchasers.

“In the light of all of this information, we now call upon the developer to withdraw his application to demolish the Raven.

“We encourage the owners to engage with their former community to realise a substantial profit for themselves and ensure the preservation of the Raven Inn for future generations.

“All we have ever asked is that the owners engage with and seek to negotiate with us – we encourage as many people as possible to object to this planning application.”

A consultation on the latest proposals is ongoing and is expected to run until the end of January next year.