Relief as future of Island Hall secured

Friday 30th January 2009, 2:29PM GMT.

A ruling by the Court of the Seneschal of Sark has safeguarded the future of the Island Hall, according to its trustees.

Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay were seeking the return of £200,000 in donations they had made to the project in the 1990s on the grounds that the money had been used unlawfully.

Alternatively, they wanted an injunction imposed on the Island Hall’s licence to sell alcohol.

But Lt-Seneschal Patrick Talbot QC dismissed the action and awarded costs against the Brecqhou owners.

‘This judgment is a vindication of our clients’ conduct and, although there were absolutely no allegations of bad faith made against them, it is a great relief for them and for the wider community of Sark,’ said Advocate Christian Hay for the hall’s trustees.

The proceedings had placed an unwelcome and needless strain upon the trustees at a time when Sark was faced with a number of matters of real consequence, he said.

To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.

View more: Sir David And Sir Frederick Barclay news.

1
Mum 22

January 30, 2009 at 7:58 pm

Fabulous and well-deserved result. Yet another example of how the Barclays have no idea about the Sark community. I only hope that they are directed to repay all of the money that (yet again) the Sarkees (in this case I assume the Trustees of the Hall)had to pay out in defending this mean and ludicrous action (remember they had full access to the initial plans – don’t tell me their legal team can have missed the provision for the bar – mind you from recent actions through their muppet mouthpieces it wouldn’t surprise me). I look forward to attending many of the community related events held on the Hall site and maybe even popping into the bar for a relaxing half! My best wishes to the Trustees and all who fought and won.

Report abuse
2
Dad 42

January 31, 2009 at 3:09 pm

Well done to the Sark authorities for standing-up to the charity handout tactics of Sir Dave and Sir Fred. I’m told that legal eagle costs have been awarded against them? At last Sark people can start to enjoy their lovely new community centre and pub.
I’m sorry to hear the pub owners don’t pay any rent or running maintainence costs? That cannot be right? Perhaps this is part of a cunning plan to get more tourists? Wot a great idea – subsidize the beer!
Hang on, that gives the hall an unfair advantage over other pubs in Sark? They must sell the cheapest beer in the islands? And they have got an offie too?
I bet Sarkees can’t believe their blinking drinking luck. Next time we’re in Sark me and me mates are gonna get ratted at the hall pub!
Maybe we can get the taxpayers to subsidise the pubs in Guernsey? Cheap beer for all I say!

Report abuse