PAWS again . . .

[P.A.W.S.]

They thought it was all over . . .

Since PAWS ceased operating several months ago, Allen has worked tirelessly to tie up all the legal and financial loose ends - no mean feat.  Remaining assets have been sold, requirements of the Charity Commission satisfied and keys handed over to the Council, following a satisfactory inspection of the premises some time in March. 

Now it seems the Council want to squeeze us for £2000 (which is no longer there), claiming a breach of the lease terms, i.e. that the premises were not left in a good enough state of repair. Admittedly, the decor was less than perfect, but we saw no point in decorating a building that was surely destined only for demolition.  The outside areas at the back and side were left wild to discourage the sort of vandalism that had occurred in the past.  Generally speaking, the premises were in much better condition than when we took them over.

Just wondering why it was deemed satisfactory a few months ago and now is not.  

Could the Council be trying to claw back some of the £millions spent unnecessarily on buying Manor Walks? Perhaps they should be chasing some local builders happily vandalising Bedlington, or are they just targeting those they can more easily bully?

Edited August 12, 2016 by P.A.W.S.

[Malcolm Robinson]

Did whoever inspected the premises sign it off in March?  

 

And is this the one for sale now?  

[mercuryg]

Dear PAWS; tell them, without grace, to sod off. After all the good work you did, this is utterly disgraceful. Let them take you to court, and explain there is no money.

[John Fox (foxy)]

Drag it out until nearer May of next year when your County Councillors are looking for your support, Alternatively there's an MP in Ashington who could be persuaded to visit Bedlington if you promise a full page spread in the local rag. You never know your luck, they could take a day off from their prefered duties and actually do something for you.

[webtrekker]

What a sad end to to an unquestionably worthwhile cause.

I'm with merc: pay nothing and let them take you to court. The adverse publicity for the council will far outweigh the extortionate sum they are asking, and it will be adverse publicity, as I'm sure you'll get the full backing of the local rag and many of the Town's residents.

Despicable.