Owner 'devastated' as Thai cafe still shut

The owner of a Thai cafe in Jersey said he was "quite frankly, devastated" that he was unable to reopen because of electrical damage at the property.

The Tuk Tuk Thai on Gorey Pier has been shut since February after water leaked through the roof and damaged the distribution board.

Cafe owner Theo Wansaram had hoped the site's landlord – Ports of Jersey – would have fixed the issue before the summer season when he makes the majority of the cafe's annual income.

Ports said: "We're exploring possible solutions to support the tenant's business, including some short-term measures that could help maintain operations while longer-term solutions are considered."

Wansaram is concerned about how this could affect his business and what any delays to repairs could mean for trade.

He said: "It's a big worry for me... I just want my electrics fixed."

Wansaram added: "We didn't expect to find ourselves unable to trade entirely, especially at the start of the summer season which is obviously our busiest period.

"We now stand to lose the majority of our annual income."

But Ports is more confident that a short-term solution can be found, which would allow the cafe to reopen before addressing long-term problems in the area.

Harbour master captain William Saddler said: "We're pleased to have had a positive meeting with the tenant.

"A number of areas that need attention have been identified to ensure the site remains safe.

"These discussions are ongoing and we'll continue these discussions in a positive and collaborative way to find a practical, sustainable way forward that reflects everyone's needs."

"The properties there are challenging in terms of they are single skin, exposed to the water so they are quite damp properties."

Wansaram said Ports told him the electrical distribution board could be fixed and moved but this would not address the issue of the leaking roof which might led to the electrics being damaged again.

He was also told the repairs to the roof and electrical repairs would cost between £100,000 - £130,000 but that it was unlikely they could be carried out before the summer.

In response - Saddler said: "The figures referenced were part of internal discussions looking at both short and longer-term options for the site.

"In this case, the level of investment required would need to be balanced against other priorities and improvements across the wider harbour estate."

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