LIKE many residents of St Helens, I have long been concerned about the neglected and vulnerable state of The Raven, and have written letters urging that its unique heritage be respected and regenerated.

Now I am saddened, though not altogether surprised, to read in your pages about last Tuesday’s fire.

I hope that the damage is not fundamental, and that there is still hope for this second-oldest building in our town (dating from 1730) to be preserved, made useful, and to take its rightful place proudly in the proposed Heritage Trail.

But this will only happen if people rally together to support its future.

Please – write to your councillor, make yourselves known on social media!

Michael Stankiewicz,

Chair of St Helens Historical Society