Provence backs down in AWP machines row

A grateful Provence tenant has thanked the Morning Advertiser for stepping in to resolve a dispute over gaming machines in his pub.

Peter Grisedale was preparing to launch a legal battle with the pubco after several failed attempts to have the machines removed despite his "free-of-tie" contract.

After weeks of wrangling, the MA stepped in and was able to secure a pledge from Provence property director Peter Kiely to have the machines removed within 48 hours.

Grisedale and partner Amanda Morgan had the machines installed in their Cumbrian pub, the Goldmine, when they took up the tenancy six months ago.

They signed a contract with Leisure Link, who provide a pool table and two gaming machines at the pub in Askam-

in-Furness. But Provence has been taking two-thirds of the profits.

The final straw came when Provence asked Leisure Link to send all the machines' takings to them - with Provence then paying the couple their third.

The couple, who pay around £80-a-week rent for the machines, passed the matter to their solicitors, but rang the MA out of desperation.

Grisedale said: "Nowhere in our lease does it say anything about gaming machines. We signed a contract with Leisure Link regarding the machines but we only receive about one third of the takings!

"Then last month we got the letter saying that from now on all the money collected from the machines would be taken and given straight to Provence. Then whatever was owed to us would be refunded by them."

Kiely told the MA: "If there is nothing in their contract tying them to the machines then I will have them removed within 48 hours, or as soon as Leisure Link can get up there."

A grateful Grisedale said: "I really appreciate what the MA has done. It might have saved me a fortune in legal bills."

Leisure Link regional sales manager Craig Nizinkewicz said: "We can only work to the contract we have with Provence and we are happy this matter has now been resolved."