Claim charity was forced out of home refuted by landlord

9:10am Monday 15th October 2007

A CHARITY aimed at providing help and support for community and voluntary groups has relocated following a row with its landlord.

Community and Voluntary Organisations in Sedgefield (Cavos) claims its has been forced out of premises on Spennymoor's Festival Walk, an allegation refuted by Edinburgh-based Ediston properties.

Gillian Magill, chief officer of Cavos, said they received verbal notice to leave early last month.

The move followed months of wrangling, amid fears that the service might have to close temporarily.

"We moved across to our new property in the High Street on Friday, but it was touch and go to say the very least," said Mrs Magill.

"It all happened very quickly and I can't praise Sedgefield Borough Council enough for their support."

Mrs Magill said the lease expired in June and alleged that Ediston increased the rent by almost 100 per cent.

"We might have tried to secure the funding, but they told us in no uncertain terms that they had someone else interested and that if we entered a bidding war we would not win," she said.

"Our rent cheques were returned and we were classed as tenants at will, meaning we could have been kicked out at any time."

Cavos was established in 2000 to provide help, support and advice to community and voluntary groups, agencies and organisations across Sedgefield.

It provides a range of services and support to community and voluntary organisations to help them manage and develop their activities.

Geoff Hepburn, from Ediston Properties, said he did not accept that the organisation had been forced out.

"Obviously, we would have liked to have kept them because we have empty units along that scheme and we would like to keep all our tenants," he said.

"They have had it rent free since June, but they have moved now and we are in the process of securing new tenants."

Cavos is now at 20 High Street, Spennymoor, above Fulltums cafe, and can be contacted on 01388-811115.

Services users are being asked to be patient as the phone lines are not expected to be connected until Wednesday.

People with disabilities who might struggle with stairs are invited to telephone to arrange a home visit.

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