Pub landlord collapses after bailiff's visit (From Swindon Advertiser)

Pub landlord collapses after bailiff's visit

4:00pm Thursday 17th June 2010 in

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A PUB licensee collapsed with a suspected heart attack after being confronted by bailiffs.

Mohammed El Mebdova, who runs The George Pub, in Eastcott Hill, on behalf of Enterprises Inns, was five days behind with the rent when a Swift Credit Services Ltd bailiff came knocking.

The 59-year-old, who suffers from heart problems, including angina, claims he told Enterprise that because of his ill health he was unable to get to the bank in time, but that the £3,000 rent for June would be paid five days later.

However, on June 7, Mr El Mebdova collapsed when a female bailiff arrived, demanding not only the £3,000 arrears but £400 costs to pay for her involvement.

Speaking through his daughter, who did not wish to be named, Mr El Mebdova said: “I had been very unwell and told the company that I wasn’t well enough to get to the bank to sign the rent out.

“They said it was fine but then on Monday the bailiff turned up and demanded the rent and £400 fine,” he said.

“I have never been late with the rent before and had the money just not the means to go and transfer it.

“She wouldn’t leave and I started to feel ill. When I collapsed I thought I was having a heart attack.”

Mr El Mebdova, who is now recovering from his ordeal at home, said he has run The George for five years, and never missed a rent deadline.

GMB, Britain’s general trade union, claims that Enterprise was overzealous in the way it dealt with a landlord who otherwise had an exemplary record with them.

Hayley Brennan, GMB the lead organiser for pub tenants, said: “If it wasn’t for Mr El Mebdova’s ill health Enterprise would have got its rent on time, as it has every month for the last five years.

“I have news for Enterprise – the days of intimidating GMB members are over.”

A spokesman for Enterprise Inns said: “Enterprise Inns does not discuss confidential matters involving the company and its licensees and therefore has no comment to make, other than that the claims made by the GMB are wholly inaccurate.”

Swift Credit Services refused to comment.