Earlham Park Café to remain open during Radio One Weekend
David Richards, Associate in the Dispute Resolution Team at Leathes Prior Solicitors, stepped in to act for Earlham Park Café on a pro bono basis throughout their dispute with the BBC over their entitlement to trade during the Radio One Big Weekend.
Ingrid Henry and Hakan Torunogullari, the proprietors of Earlham Park Café, received a letter from the Council saying that they were going to have to close over the second Bank Holiday weekend in May. Mrs Henry had expected to be able to trade from her café during the event and had purchased a brand new ice cream machine in anticipation. David Richards met with Mrs Henry and went through the terms of her lease. He advised her of her rights pursuant to that lease and represented her at a meeting with Councillors Brenda Arthur and Alan Waters; leader and deputy leader of Norwich City Council, as well as Laura McGillivray; Chief Executive of Norwich City Council, to negotiate terms.
Following those negotiations, Norwich City Council went back to the BBC to see what could be done, which ultimately led to the BBC changing the layout of the whole site so as to fit the café into the plans. Terms have now been agreed between the parties.
Norwich City Council has released the following statement: “Norwich City Council and Radio 1 have reached an agreement with the leaseholders of Earlham Park Café which will allow them to trade from their premises during Big Weekend. The whole of Norwich is looking forward to some great music and we hope they enjoy a very busy trading weekend.”
As well as legal advice and assistance from David, Mrs Henry and Mr Torunogullari have been overwhelmed by the response from other small businesses and individuals from all over Norwich, and indeed all over the country. Earlham Park Café are delighted to be able to take part in the Radio One Big Weekend, and Mrs Henry and Mr Torunogullari are looking forward to a great weekend.
David Richards has released the following statement on behalf of Leathes Prior Solicitors: “I was very pleased to support Earlham Park Café through this. It could have been a real shame to see a small local business like this pushed out of such an important event. However it’s great that, after our meeting earlier in the week, Norwich City Council and the BBC have been able to put such a lot of work into this to make it happen. It is also really nice to see how the people and businesses of Norwich have come together to show their support for the café. We are proud to be part of that.”