The identity of a rival bidder for Forfar Council offices being targeted by pub giant JD Wetherspoon has been confirmed on the eve of another closed-doors meeting to discuss the controversial deal.
The Courier can reveal Christie P Ltd as the name behind a counter-offer made for 5-7 The Cross in the wake of a secret vote by councillors to negotiate with the national chain over possible disposal of the 150-year-old premises for a town centre “superpub” plan.
Christie P is the holding company of Parkgrove crematorium, near Friockheim, established by well-known Forfar businessman Ken Parke. He said he had developed two possible proposals neither pub-related for the town centre property.
He instructed solicitors to lodge an offer for the council building, which includes the office of the Angus provost, after learning the authority had been in secret talks with Wetherspoon’s over a private sale suggested to involve a figure of around £400,000.
It has now also emerged that town licensed trade and business interests are preparing to mount a challenge to the planned deal, claiming the authority may have breached rules on the disposal of council property.
Local restaurateurs, caf owners and publicans have discussed what they believe to be “double standards” in dealing with national and area businesses.
While the local authority remains tight-lipped over the issue, public opinion is split over whether the local economy will welcome a national chain pub.
Members of the business community believe they would be directly affected by the addition of a “superpub” to the market town.
A spokesman said they reflected the views of “many” other businesses and members of the public.
The spokesman said members agreed the “secret meeting” with JD Wetherspoon did not follow council rules on the disposal of buildings, with “much talk of double standards” compared to attendees’ dealings with the local authority.
Attendees claimed:
* Angus Council has not met statutory requirements in a number of instances, and questioned whether selling an asset to a cut-price alcoholic drinks retailer is contrary to its licensing objectives.
* The addition of a budget drinks and food outlet, pulling in £25,000 a week, will “decimate” the town centre as businesses which cannot compete “go to the wall”.
* The delivery of a chain “superpub” in the centre of town is in complete contradiction of the council’s Angus Community Plan and single outcome agreement to develop prosperous and fair, sustainable businesses and healthier communities.
* A boost of 40 jobs would translate to three full-time jobs and the rest on zero-hour contracts, offset by the loss of jobs from 60 local businesses.
* The town has great strength in variety and number of private businesses.
* The knock-on effect of this business not being local would affect other business too, from butchers and bakers who currently supply local outlets to tradesmen who service them, and the town’s money going straight to a national firm would mean less money spent by all these businesses in the local community.
* Forfar already has enough licensed premises, at one per 794 residents.
The council did not comment when approached by The Courier.