More than 500 people have signed a petition against the closure of an Ipswich pub.
It was announced yesterday that Pump and Grind in Great Coleman Street is facing eviction on Sunday as a result of a contractual dispute with the landlord.
Just a few hours after the news broke, an online petition named “Save Pump & Grind” was launched by Suffolk Young Labour Party.
Business owner Tom Kerridge said: “The support and comments we have had have been overwhelming and moving, we have such an amazing bunch of regulars who support our events.”
Landlord Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) sent Mr Kerridge a letter last Friday ordering him to sign a lease agreement or be out of the venue within 10 days.
Mr Kerridge has to date refused to put his name to a contract because he claims it has not honoured the deal that was agreed when he moved it - that is, that M&B will pay for repairs to the leaking roof.
M&B has now offered Mr Kerridge a rent-free period of two weeks in exchange for him organising the work himself.
However, Mr Kerridge has claimed this will not cover the cost of the repairs.
A spokeswoman for M&B said: “The cost review of the works was completed sometime ago and agreed with Mr Kerridge. The rent-free period is equivalent of those costs.”
Negotiations are ongoing between the two sides.
Pump and Grind is open as normal until this Sunday at 5pm.
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