Jobs under threat due to barriers at grill bar

Jobs under threat due to barriers at grill bar

13 January 2016

THE managing director of a Downpatrick restaurant has warned his business could be forced to close with the loss of almost 20 jobs.

Mr John Gilmore, of Norma J’s restaurant at the Eclipse Cinema complex, said the recent erection of safety barriers to keep people away from a sinking footpath is having a devastating impact on trade.

Mr Gilmore says takings are down and he is concerned the safety barriers give the public the impression that the restaurant is closed — when in fact it is business as usual.

He has been in contact with TDK Properties, who are the agents for the cinema complex, asking for the path to be repaired. 

“The bottom line is that the subsidence issue is impacting on business and the restaurant could be forced to close its doors if it is not addressed,” he said.

“The barriers were erected in November and the dip in trade has been noticeable since. The pavement outside the restaurant has sunk about eight inches and I fear the problem will only get worse.”

Mr Gilmore says he has a “duty of care” to his customers.

“There is clearly a subsidence issue affecting the path outside the business and the evidence 

is there for everyone to see. There are people who think the restaurant is not open and this 

is impacting on trade. 

“We could be forced to close and people could end up losing their jobs. We employ around 18 full and part-time staff and if the subsidence issue is not addressed, these jobs are on the line,” he declared. 

“I have a duty to look after the health and safety of my customers. If someone slips and falls outside the restaurant on a sinking footpath the first person they will come looking for is me. We have been trying to do everything we can to resolve this issue and have consulted with the local council’s Building Control Department and Fire and Rescue Service. The area’s MP has also raised the issue with the complex agents.”

Mr Gilmore said a report he had commissioned for the Fire and Rescue Service indicated the subsidence problems “could potentially restrict the number of customers allowed in his restaurant.” He also fears the issue could have an impact when other businesses at the cinema complex renew their entertainment licences.

He added: “We need this issue resolved. Health and safety is an issue but with the barriers in place directly outside my business when people drive into the complex they assume the restaurant is closed. That’s not good for business.

“The cost of repairing the subsidence problem, which I believe could be pretty expensive, is not our responsibility. The ped path could also result in my business contravening disabled access legislation.

“We have been trying for 18 months to have this matter resolved and while the path has been lifted and relaid on three occasions, problems remain and will only get worse unless they are addressed.”

A spokesperson for TDK Properties said the company is looking into the issue, in conjunction with the restaurant management.