Eviction threat over roof repair dispute
A licensee is facing eviction after refusing to pay £55,000 rent to Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company (S&NPC) because they will not repair his roof.
Les Charlesworth claims the chimney of his 15th century Marquis pub in Colchester, Essex, is about to collapse.
The former builder, who has been in the premises for two years, has withheld his rent in protest and was served with a winding up order on November 11.
He is now locked in a legal battle with S&NPC who insist that the Grade II-listed pub does not need extensive work.
Les said: "This is ridiculous. I was a builder and I know what I am talking about - the roof needs replacing and it is not safe.
"I am not paying my rent because trade is down and the problem with the roof, as I understand it, has been known about for nine years.
"There are leaks upstairs and the living area is damp, it's really miserable.
"Scottish & Newcastle did do some work but it has not sorted out the problem. Now I am facing eviction and being hit with legal fees to fight this."
The rent on the premises is more than £4,000 a month and Les now owes £55,000 - money which he does not have.
He added: "They have informally offered me a 10 per cent discount but I cannot pay so it's now in the hands of lawyers. I think it's really sad that it's come to this."
However a spokesperson for S&NPC said: "We work in close partnership with our lessees and take our obligations towards property repairs extremely seriously.
"In this instance, repairs to the roof have been made and further problems have now been brought to our attention we are dealing with.
"We refute any claims regarding the state of the existing roof, however, we are unable to comment any further at this stage as the matter is now in litigation."
