‘Skatepark is staying open’

Published 7 Sep 2010 10:00

A DUMBARTON skate park owner is insisting it is business as usual - despite his recent licence renewal application being rejected.

Chick Mailley, who runs Unit 23 in Dumbarton East, had his public entertainment licence application rejected on the grounds that his current landlord has ties to criminal activities.

When the skatepark opened eight years ago, it originally paid rent to a Mr Taghi, who owns all units at the Old Bond site on Castlegreen Street.

However, Stephen King Asset Management (SKAM) was appointed as landlord and rent collecting agent 18 months ago and police informed a special meeting of West Dunbartonshire Licensing Committee on August 26 that Mr King has significant criminal links.

Police have already been successful in shut ting down Mr King’s private taxi firm, Castle Cabs, earlier this year.

As a result of the objection the skatepark is caught in a catch-22 situation, with Chick arguing that does not have any control over who he pays rent to.

Action is now being taken to terminate Mr Taghi’s contract with SKAM, but councillors refused to grant the skatepark licence until this happens.

Chick told the Reporter: “I understand the police position and I support them in what they are doing.

“But I have never had any contact with Mr King and I cannot choose who I pay rent to.”

Chick is now consulting his legal team on his licence renewal being rejected and he will launch an appeal against the decision shortly.

Tweet

This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 07 Sep 10

Follow @dumbartonreport

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.