In our recent updates we informed you that a number of offers had been made to the owner for the purchase of the Golden Lion, regrettably these have all been flatly rejected. Over the last 12 months we have been working closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) and we have had a jointly procured valuation completed by Avison Young. This was completed in the late Summer.
CWaC have now formally written to the owner referencing the output of this new valuation and clearly stating that this would be the starting point for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process. The owner is also actively encouraged to begin formal sale negotiations with the community.
We very much hope the owner will see that his options for any other form of action are rapidly narrowing and that he takes up the offer to begin meaningful dialogue with us in the near future.
We are aware that the CPO process can be a protracted one and have reiterated our willingness to engage and to enter into mediation on numerous occasions. We remain fully committed and prepared to acquire the property for the long-term benefit of our community by either route.
We will of course keep you informed of any further progress as it happens.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Ashton Hayes Community Hub Committee
https://goldenlionashtonhayes.co.uk
goldenlionashtonhayes@btinternet.com
facebook.com/TheGoldenLionAshtonHayes