Debt-laden New Manor operator vows to return
THE man who was running The New Manor has left the island owing money, but vowing to return.
Tony Gover had operated the restaurant and takeaway business from The Manor Hotel, Rue des Croisee, Forest, for the past five years.
The restaurant and the lodging operations at the 60-bedroom Manor are understood to be functioning as normal.
Mr Gover, 80, told the Guernsey Press that there were ‘a lot of things going on.’ He did not wish to discuss the matter further but said he would be returning to the island soon.
He has been facing a number of actions through the courts in recent weeks.
Guernsey Building Developments, which is part-owned by Chief Minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache, owns The Manor Hotel and a cottage called Le Bordage which is just across the road from it.
The company went to the Royal Court to evict Mr Gover and a company called SNG Jaygrace Ltd from the cottage for non-payment of rent, which was granted.
Deputy Ferbrache was contacted, but declined to comment.
The law firm representing GBD said it had been instructed not to comment and it would not confirm if Mr Gover had also been evicted from the hotel.
Earlier this month L’Eree Bay Holdings (1996) Ltd was successful in the Royal Court with an action for £15,750 against Mr Gover in default of appearance.
The following week the States sued him for £13,602.98 with costs and interest. Mr Gover did not attend the hearing.
Crown Advocate Jason Hill said that while it was the first time that the matter had been before the court, Mr Gover was aware of the proceedings as they had been signed over by him.
He had not arranged for anybody to appear on his behalf and had not been in contact.
Advocate Hill asked the court to award judgement in default of appearance as he said Mr Gover was familiar enough with the court process. It was understood that Mr Gover was no longer on the island and there was no due date of return. Bailiff Richard McMahon awarded judgement.
Mr Gover has been involved with many hospitality businesses in the island over the past 25 years, including the former Vazon Bay Hotel, The Steakhouse in Victoria Road, No. 44 in Le Pollet, The Wayside Tavern at Grandes Rocques, The Strawberry Farm, the fish and chip shop at L’Eree, and two terms at The Golden Lion pub in Market Street.
