AN ONLINE petition has amassed hundreds of signatures in just days in an attempt to save a popular feature at a Cheshire Tapas bar.

Halil Ayaz first opened the Pasha Lounge, in the Old Town House off Buttermarket Street, Warrington, in 2020 shortly after the first Covid-19 lockdown.

The 49-year-old took over the property after the previous owners were forced to shut the venue, which was previously used for gigs in 2019.

As part of the new design, Halil installed some temporary structures, or pods, for customers to use outside.

These pods were initially to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and have stood in the garden of the Grade II listed building for the past four years.

However, Halil was shocked to discover an enforcement notice left by Warrington Borough Council on the gate of the property, ordering the pods to be removed due to the building’s listed status.

“They just clipped a notice onto the gate, no conversation as to what would be okay or negotiation as to how we could work with them to try and streamline things, so Halil doesn’t lose his business,” said Denise, Halil’s partner.

“He’s devastated because he’s done so much to the place, he’s built it up over the past four years, he has returning customers who absolutely love the place.

“It’s just bringing the community together to be honest, it’s just lovely and the council are not seeing the revenue it’s bringing into Warrington.”

The pods were installed in 2020The pods were installed in 2020 (Image: Supplied)Halil believes that the garden and the pods are the main source of revenue for Pasha Lounge, and that if they are removed, he could lose everything.

“If I lose all of the front, I don’t know how long I’ll stand for, maybe two or three months before I go bust,” he said.

As the pods are temporary structures and can be completely removed, the couple believe that it is in no way causing damage the Grade II listed building.

“We hope they overturn their decision because it’s not a Grade II listed garden,” said Denise.

“He’s kept the building in keeping with the Grade II listing, he’s not touched it except making it safe and usable again because it was derelict when he got it.

“He’s been through lockdown and covid and he’s worked so hard and spent thousands to build it up, and now they just want to pull it from under his feet.”

Now, a Change.org petition has been started by patrons of Pasha Lounge, imploring Warrington Borough Council to allow Halil to keep the pods.

“As patrons and friends to Halil and Denise of Pasha, a beloved venue that serves as part of the heart and soul of Warrington’s nightlife, we find ourselves united in opposition to a threat levied by Warrington Borough Council,” said Alexander Tennant, who started the online petition.

“Their orders to dismantle cherished outdoor structures on the grounds of Pasha, structures that add to the charm of the Grade II listed building and contribute to the much-loved ambiance of the venue, have sparked widespread concern and outrage.

“These structures, often referred to as the ‘pods’ are more than just physically tangible entities, they are spaces that cup countless conversations, hold tightly to memories, and cradle the camaraderie that only such a unique venue could foster.”

The petition, which was started on Tuesday, has already amassed more than 350 signatures at the time of writing.

The impact of the pods’ removal was also stressed by patrons, who feel that it would have a negative impact on the community.

“The negative impacts of losing these pods are immensely sharp when compared to the non-existent drawbacks they pose,” said Alexander.

“Their removal would be more than a physical loss, it would be a blow to the spirit of Pasha, the unity of our community, and the legacy of Harry and Denise.

“We implore Warrington Borough Council to reassess the situation from the perspectives of those who find home, comfort, happiness, and connection with Pasha.

“For these reasons, we demand that the Warrington Borough Council halts their demands to dismantle the beloved outdoor structures at Pasha. Stand with us in our fight to preserve what means so much to our community.”

If you would like to sign the petition, you can find it by clicking here.

 

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “As with all ongoing cases, we are unable to provide specific details regarding the Pasha Lounge planning enforcement investigation.”