Exclusive: Eyewatering rent demand blamed for Billy the Bums demise.

Billy the Bums closed suddenly on Wednesday and we can reveal after speaking to the owner what led to the decision.

The sports bar at Southwater in Telford opened in 2023 and according to director David Brinkworth, trade was still building, but the outlook changed last month when he received a letter from the landlord asking for £41,000 in rent.

Brinkworth admits that rent had been late more than once during the year, which triggered the demand, and also that he had not submitted his turnover, which would influence the rent paid.

Despite this, Brinkworth told Telford Live that he offered to settle the £41,000 bill by the end of the year at £2,900 a week. The agent refused the offer and, according to Brinkworth, was not responding to requests to discuss this via email or telephone.

A seven-day letter arrived two weeks ago, again asking for full settlement, or the doors would be closed on Wednesday.

Brinkworth said he told staff the bad news on Tuesday night, and paid them up to date.  “It’s affected my health and I’ve had trouble sleeping.” He said.

“I can’t understand why the landlord would not want the debt being reduced, keeping the doors open and people in jobs, even if I couldn’t pay it all at once.

“I wonder if they have an anchor tenant waiting in the wings to take on the unit.

“I could go to court and apply for a hearing as a last-ditch attempt to keep the doors open, but the chances are small and it’s another £4000 I’d have to pay.”

The rent on the unit was around £75,000 a year according to Mr Brinkworth, which was due quarterly.

We have asked the landlord for a comment.