BMWL not to blame

THE comments (Forced out by rising costs) made by Jerome of the Chandlery Restaurant at Sawley Marina have been challenged by British Waterways Marinas Ltd (BWML).

Though no reference was made in the article that BWML did not terminate the contract, it seems that this is generally believed, with Managing Director, Derek Newton explaining:

Few concerns

I respond to this article mainly because BWML has received a few concerns from boating customers about what seemed to be unfair dealings with Jerome and Chris. Obviously our tenants have rights to voice their views and they are not tied by the Data Protection Laws that precludes BWML from giving the same detail. General facts however are different and I would like to exchange some of these with your readers related to this issue.

BWML did not terminate the lease contract, but only requested action in accordance with the exchanged lease including repairing and utility refund charges.

Lower rental plan

Due to the present economic difficulties BWML listened and helped our tenant by structuring a lower rental plan

BWML helped the tenant obtain further outdoor space, provided tables to increase their covers and revenue opportunity, but did not increase their costs for this support.

I recognise the economic difficulties are proving to be hard and BWML are working to limit such damage with our tenanted partners. We are experiencing substantial cost increases ourselves, but have limited in the recent past passing these increases onto our customers, however, I do not think it is unreasonable to ask any of our tenants to pay for their own utility and waste disposal costs when it is their responsibility to pay for such items within an exchanged lease.

Best wishes

Obviously I am disappointed with the comments made in the article, it does not represent fact, nevertheless, I wish Jerome and Chris all the very best wishes for the future and hope any new venture they establish is very successful.

Going forward, BWML has received six serious enquiries for the space, all from existing and experienced catering businesses. The quality of everyone who submitted an interest gave us a selection difficulty, they were all very strong submissions.

From 1st April 2013 BWML will be welcoming a family run business who already operate a quality catering establishment within the local area which is well supported by the local community, we will make a joint announcement shortly who this will be.