Lunn – Villiers has acted in bad faith over Praxis café

Alliance Lagan Valley MLA, Trevor Lunn, has said that the Secretary of State has acted in bad faith over the decision to tell mental health charity Praxis that they have to vacate a café in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle. It provides employment to seven members of staff and 16 people with learning difficulties. The Northern Ireland Office has also said that it will not provide compensation for the £400,000 spent by Praxis on the site.

Trevor Lunn MLA said: “I think the Praxis café is a fantastic initiative that provides employment for people with learning difficulties. I am very disappointed in the way that Theresa Villiers and the Northern Ireland Office have handled this dispute.

“I believe that the Secretary of State has acted in bad faith by refusing to be flexible and allow Praxis to continue to run the café in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle. At the very least she should give them compensation for the investment made by Praxis over the years.

“This dispute is not just an argument between two rival businesses. Praxis is providing a valuable service to help those with learning difficulties. I hope the Northern Ireland Office will reconsider their decision.”

ENDS