“It’s not something I can allow to happen. We are all determined going forward we get what we need so this house can be restored.”

Philip Cowan, director of Thornton Manor (North West) Holdings Ltd, is standing in Thornton Manor’s grand music room, one part of the Wirral manor that was left untouched by a devastating fire three years ago. The fire took hold in the roof of the building on February 5, 2022 after an electrical fault.

Windy conditions on the night and difficulties faced by fire engines trying to put it out left parts of the building a burned-out shell. Two weeks before this, the Planning Inspectorate ordered the manor to remove three marquees from its grounds following a long dispute with Wirral Council.

While it is still open for business, the loss of the marquees and the fire shortly after has seen the manor lose business and its staff numbers go from around 50 to 14. One company listed at the manor, Thornton Manor Estate Limited, went into liquidation earlier this year owing £1.6m to creditors.

This alongside issues with the insurance payout has meant destroyed parts of the manor have not been repaired. It’s estimated the cost of restoration could be as much as £20m.