Garage runs out of time
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ABERDEEN haulier Tom Shanks, who has built up a 20-vehicle fleet in 10 years and is about to add a further four vehicles to his fleet, is facing a local authority order to pull down his garage. It could mean that he will lose his operator's licence.
He has been told by Aberdeen City District Council to pull down the World War II Romany hut at his York Street premises by the end of May because it is not a permanent structure and has been up longer than his permit for a temporary structure allows.
He fears that if forced to demolish the garage he may lose his 0-licence — putting his business and 25 employees in jeopardy.
He launched Tom Shanks Transport 10 years ago with one lorry. The fleet has expanded steadily since then, mainly thanks to oil-related demand, and four years ago he moved to his current location in York Street, near Aberdeen harbour.
He says he would have built a permanent garage with workshops in York Street but for the fact that landlords Hall Russell have instituted a policy of granting no more than two-year leases. "I put up the Romany shed as a temporary measure, thinking I would build a big garage, but I cannot do that unless I am sure of a long lease and Hall Russell say that is out of the question," said Mr Shanks.
"I have looked for other premises near the harbour but there is nothing suitable and to buy an acre of ground at Altens, outside the city, might cost £60,000 or £70,000."
Mr Shanks has asked the council to defer its order to demolish his garage until he has found a new site.