Earlier this year, our management committee invited applications for the operation of the store located on the Association’s premises at Calvay Road as part of ambitions to secure investment and improve the facilities and services available to local residents.
Several high-quality submissions to run the shop which included operating the shop as a franchise were received. The current tenant, Mr Singh, made an offer which did not include entering into a franchise and did not include refitting the shop.
Following a comprehensive review, in recognition of Mr Singh’s long service to the community, the committee has agreed to offer a new short-term arrangement with to the current operator, Mr Singh.
The agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including the implementation of agreed improvement measures such as extended opening hours, payment of the real living wage to all staff, enhanced security measures and improved CCTV provision aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour.
Mr Singh has already agreed to extended opening hours beginning Monday 1st June which is very encouraging and may create one new job for the community.
The committee will continue to monitor progress and should the agreed conditions not be met, the Calvay Housing Association will review the arrangement.