A dessert parlour in Basildon has been forced to close after the council issued a forfeiture notice. Kaspa’s, on the ground floor of the Vue cinema complex in the town centre, suddenly closed after a notice was placed on the window stating the council had taken back control of the lease.
The sudden closure came as a shock to residents, as the spot was reportedly very popular, with many wondering why it had closed its doors to customers. Cllr Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, took to social media to state that Kaspa’s hasn’t paid “a penny in rent”, and were aware that the council was chasing the rent arrears.
He then stated that Kaspa’s were aware that action would be taken if they failed to pay. He also stated that if the rent is not paid, Basildon Council will be looking to fill the unit witha new tenant.
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Cllr Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, said on Facebook: “Kaspa’s have been in arrears on their rent since 2022. In fact, they haven’t paid a penny in rent, despite signing a contract to say they would.
The forfeiture notice on Kaspa’s door
“They’ve been aware for months that the council was chasing the rent arrears and that action would be taken if they failed to pay. As is normal practice, a negotiation started and we asked to see their accounts to support their claims that they couldn’t pay their rent.
“They only provided partial accounts and still to this day, haven’t provided the full accounts. We have worked with them to try and improve customer numbers and business performance and offered them the chance to put seating outside on the pavement to boost trade, but they’ve declined.
“As soon as the owner contacted me this week, I asked them to re-enter negotiations with us. Providing that they either pay their rent, or can substantiate their claims that they don’t make enough money to pay any rent, we can look at reopening the site.
“Failing that, we need to fill the unit with a new tenant. No one wants to see a business close, but there are two sides to every story and the council has to protect the taxpayer and the taxpayers investments.”
A Basildon Council spokesperson said: “As landlord for the property, Basildon Council has re-taken possession of a unit at East Square, Basildon.”
Kaspa’s Basildon has been approached for comment.