Ex-Punch host claims squatter's rights
A former Punch leaseholder has locked himself inside the pub after claiming the pubco owes him £8,000 for fixtures and fittings.
David Williams has been locked in the Highwood in Gledhow, Leeds since 31 March over a row with Punch.
Williams used to be leaseholder of the pub until he was declared bankrupt by customs and excise four years ago.
He was then employed by a multiple operator as manager of the pub, which has now decided to end its agreement with Punch.
Punch is seeking to assign the lease, but Williams claims he owns the fixtures and fittings.
He says he spent £20,000 on the fixtures and fittings and wants £8,000 from the pubco.
"I am sticking up for the little guy against the big boys," he told the Morning Advertiser.
"If I left this pub, there would not be a cat in hell's chance of getting that money, so I have claimed squatter's rights."
However, Punch said that Williams had been leaving the pub on a regular basis.
"This is not a case of the 'little man' taking a stand against a big company that doesn't care about its licensees," a spokeswoman said.
"We are passionate about our pubs and are committed to building long-term relationships with our licensees.
"We clearly outline the terms and conditions of our agreements with any licensee before they take on a pub and we have responsibilities to ensure that our licensees comply with this agreement.
"This is a complicated matter that is currently being dealt with by our solicitors and we are negotiating to find an amicable solution.
"Our main priority is to ensure that the Highwood Hotel can reopen for trade as soon as possible."
