Electricity bill row threat to last pub in Seaham

Dave Lawson, landlord of The Red Lion, in Coxhoe, County Durham, says has been told unless he pays up, the pub’s power will be cut on Thursday, November 22.

British Gas obtained a warrant for entry into the premises to disconnect the electricity supply at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 1.

Mr Lawson, 49, who bought the pub with partner Charmaine Newton in June 2010, said: “I’ve lived in this village all my life.

“I’ve drunk here, played football for the pub and since I bought it I’ve turned it around.

“But if we don’t get a resolution by the 22nd, this pub would have to close.

“It’s been the most stressful thing ever.”

Ms Newton, 46, blames stress from the dispute for a stomach ulcer she is suffering with.

Mr Lawson is considering borrowing money to settle the dispute and save his pub.

The row began in August last year when British Gas called Mr Lawson, who lives with Ms Newton and their 19-year-old son Liam in a flat above the pub, to say he had been undercharged for the pub’s electricity and owed around £8,000.

Over the following months, various repayment totals and plans were discussed.

British Gas says it has made repeated efforts to resolve the issue. Mr Lawson says he was given conflicting information and never received any agreed repayment plan.

Last week, he offered to pay £4,000 up front and the remainder over coming months.

However, no deal was reached and the court case went ahead.

Mr Lawson argued his case before magistrates but the bench issued a warrant for entry.

The landlord has now asked the Energy Ombudsman to investigate his case.

Today (November 6), a spokeswoman for British Gas Business said: “We continue to work with Mr Lawson to resolve the issue.

“We have spoken to Mr Lawson yesterday and he has agreed a payment plan.”

However, Mr Lawson denied an agreement had been reached, saying he had only agreed to speak to the firm again on Thursday.