"The Grapes closed suddenly on May 3rd this year, bringing an abrupt halt to its service to the Radford community for nearly 80 years. Coventry City Council recognised its value to the community by refusing a planning application for demolition and replacement with flats in late May. This was bolstered shortly after by its listing by the Council as an Asset of Community Value under the Localism Act in June. 

The site has been boarded up and left vacant since May. In June and July the roof was stripped of its lead and several break ins have seen a great deal of damage to the interior. The owner does not appear to have taken any real steps to securing the site against trespass or to keep it weather-tight. 

In September the owner indicated their willingness to sell the freehold under the disposal rules for Assets of Community Value. A qualifying bidder, The Grapes Hotel (Radford) Limited has indicated an intention to bid. Naturally the price the purchaser may be prepared to pay will depend on the condition the building is in at the time of a contract for purchase. 

We, the undersigned, petition Coventry City Council to use its statutory powers under any of the relevant legislation available to require the owner to secure the building and to carry out sufficient repairs to ensure that it does not continue to deteriorate. This would not only be for the benefit of the purchaser but for the owner himself who might otherwise receive a lower price to account for the considerable repair that will be required to bring the Grapes back into use as a pub."