TRAVELLERS have finally vacated the car park at the historic Raven Inn at Glazebury, leaving piles of rubbish which local residents fear will attract rats and other vermin.
The encampment of four caravans left last night, Saturday, just days before bailiffs were due to remove them from the privately owned land where they have been since January 20, with a brief departure on February 9.
But they have left piles of rubbish behind them with two temporary toilets still on site.
It comes as local campaigners step up their bid to take over the former public house that has been under threat of demolition since it closed before the pandemic.
Peter Sturman from the help Save the Raven Inn campaign group said: “We were aware that bailiffs, acting for the receivers, had negotiated their departure.
“Hopefully the toilets and general refuse that has been left behind will be cleared by the receivers. Hopefully, they will secure the car park.
“Quite apart from the travellers, it is sad to see the Raven looking so tired. The Raven must become a community pub. So many people have fought so long and so hard to save the Raven.
“Together, we will all breathe new life into this incredible and very important part of our heritage.”
“There is a load of full and open bin bags piled up behind the Raven. I will be reporting this to Warrington Borough Council on the basis of it attracting rats and other vermin.
“They also need to remove the toilets!
Campaigners have been battling to save the historic pub which has now been listed for auction, with a guide price of between £150,000 to £200,000.
Meanwhile, the latest bid to demolish the building has been rejected by planners who ruled that the latest planning application, to demolish the pub and replace it with a small housing development, was invalid.
Campaigners prepare to bid for historic Raven Inn after property put up for auction
Travellers given temporary permission and toilets to stay on former Raven Inn car park
