Hove family doctor Nigel Higson has hit back at controversial property tycoon Nicholas Hoogstraten after his surgery was closed without notice this morning.
Dr Higson pointed out that the fire escapes from the flats above his surgery were now blocked by the padlocking of the gate at the Eaton Centre in Eaton Gardens.
In his response, the GP made an oblique reference to the fire in which five people were killed in Hove in the 1990s.
The building which burnt down – with inadequate fire escapes – was owned by Mr Hoogstraten.
Dr Higson said: “A unilateral action by the landlords, Martin Reiss Hanson trustees, against the lessee Dr Milind Jani over a long-running rental dispute resulted in the landlords, without any form of court authorisation, and locking us out.
“Rent has been paid and has been paid in advance at the level recommended by both the district valuer and an independent surveyor appointed by the landlords and tenant.
“We believe that this action is a disproportionate and inappropriate response by a landlord who has acted in a manner which may not be legal and which could result in disruption to patient care.
“By preventing access to the building by myself or my staff the landlord has illegally confiscated medical records and medical equipment which does not belong to either the landlord or the tenant and police have been asked to investigate this possible theft.
“Services are being provided at Goodwood Court for the foreseeable future and services will be maintained to ensure patients are able to access full primary care services.
“Regrettably some patients may have to make changes to their appointments and any queries from patients should be directed to us at Goodwood Court.
“The landlords will be aware that they have blocked the fire escape access for residents in the house of multiple occupation above the Eaton Centre surgery and we will be advising the authorities of this matter.
“We don’t want the landlords to have another ‘Palmeira fire’on their consciences do we?”
