THE RACE is on to save goods and property caught up after a Hyde community project’s premises were repossessed.
But The Correspondent understands those behind POP are ready to go legal as they look to carry on somehow, with a view to relocating once more.
The base, Unit 7A of Clarendon Square Shopping Centre, saw landlords Clarendon Square Hyde Limited, who have recently taken it over, employ bailiffs to place notices on the shutters and change the locks.
POP claim it is ‘not a rent arrear issue’ – with The Correspondent believing they were under the impression they were up to date.
Inside is all the stock of the micro-traders that use it, it is believed even the wool, needles and patterns belonging to a knit and natter group is also caught up, along with the creations they sell with proceeds going to community groups.
It is understood an agreement to enter and retrieve items is set to be agreed.
And The Correspondent believes the Community Interest Company (CIC) board running POP is ready to employ solicitors in a bid to fight off the notice.
To raise funds, founders Jackie Francis is set to put her original music and movie art memorabilia up for sale.
There are also suggestions the board of the not-for-profit group run by volunteers even offered to fund repairs to the unit after it was served with dangerous structure notice under section 77 of the Dangerous Buildings Act.
And they face handing back £38,000 of grant money that was awarded to them because of their apparent eviction.
But the feeling among many of the traders and groups who use POP is ‘let us have our property back.’
When approached by The Correspondent for comment, POP – which originally set up on nearby Clarendon Street in the former Post Office – said the matter is now in the hands of their solicitors and they could not comment until any action was agreed through solicitors.
Attempts to contact Clarendon Square Hyde Limited – whose director is listed as James Summerfield, who is based in Ludlow, Shropshire – were unsuccessful.
Hyde is not what it was.
POP has been created by the people of Hyde (led by Jackie Francis)., for the people of Hyde. I wish them all the luck and success they deserve in this legal wrangle.