Lincolnshire Police fear a man allegedly in charge of a Louth shop at the time an illegal worker was found there will still be involved in its day-to-day business after his brother applied to take over.
Janushanth Thuraisingam has applied to East Lindsey District Council for a premises licence for the Premier Store on Newmarket in Louth.
East Lindsey District Council revoked the licence for the business from Nadarajah Kirubaharan in July last year after the premises was found to have employed an illegal worker, and breached conditions for the licence holder to make or authorise sales of alcohol.
However, in a report to be heard on May 3, Lincolnshire Police will say that during the period between March and May 2021, when the illegal worker was found, the former DPS (designated premises supervisor) was absent.
Instead, during their checks Mr Thuraisingam Kirushanth met police and claimed to be taking over the business. This man is believed to be Janushanth’s brother.
“The research carried out provided evidence to suggest that Mr Kirushanth had been in control of the business since February 2021 (and thus at the time the illegal worker was found),” said the report.
“He had, however, not completed the relevant transfer paperwork to put the premises licence into his name and nominate himself as DPS.”
Subsequent attempts by Mr Kirushanth to get temporary event notices were objected to by officers who said they “did not have any confidence in Mr Kirushanth” since he was in control of the shop when the ‘serious failings’ were previously found. They were subsequently withdrawn.
Now, Lincolnshire Police have objected to his brother’s application saying there is not enough evidence to “prove that there is a genuine takeover”.
They believe he is still behind the business, with his name still showing on VAT registration searches linked to the premises.
They said a visit to the shop carried out in March, when Mr Kirushanth was absent but was said to have gone to B&Q, confirmed he was still around.
A year-long lease submitted by the applicant suggests Mr Kirushanth could end it at any time, they said.
They said some paperwork had been provided but that they needed more to build any faith in the new owner.
“Lincolnshire Police are not satisfied that the applicant is going to take full control of this premises or do so separately from his brother who previously employed an illegal worker.
“Neither do Lincolnshire Police have confidence in the applicant’s ability to uphold the licensing objectives.”
If the licence is approved, officers have called on the licensing committee to include a condition for Mr Kirushanth to not be employed in any capacity or have any management or position of responsibility.
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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