Owners of Dereham restaurant Akaash 'flee the country'

The Akaash in Dereham, dubbed a "stain on the town centre" by local councillors, has been at the centre of a legal wrangle over its future. 

Breckland Council emerged victorious following a court hearing this week and has secured an order requiring the owners to undertake repairs and repay £6,000 in legal fees.

However, the family behind the restaurant have accused the authority of failing to support them as they face increasing abuse - which they say has forced them to leave the country. 

The derelict restaurant must now be repaired (Image: Denise Bradley) The former Akaash restaurant at 23 Market Place has sat empty since its closure in 2015 and been subject to several break-ins as it continues to deteriorate. 

Breckland Council issued an enforcement notice in 2022 requiring improvements to the property but this expired without repairs being delivered - resulting in the authority taking the owners to court earlier this week. 

Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court heard concerns from the council about the visual blight and safety of the building, and an order was issued requiring essential safety repairs to be carried out within 28 days. 

READ MORE: Fine-dining restaurant once visited by the late Queen set to be turned into housing

Breckland Council offices (Image: Ian Burt) The required works include securing the lean-to roof, replacing damaged roof tiles, fixing rainwater guttering, and boarding up one of the windows. 

Should the owners fail to comply within the specified timeframe, Breckland Council has been granted permission to carry out the repairs and then recover the costs from the owners by placing a legal charge against the property. 

The owners must also pay the council £6,000 in legal fees. 

A spokesman for the family said: "We feel that we have been treated unfairly and have been forced to leave the country due to the relentless abuse both online and in person.

"Our car was vandalised, and we received distressing letters accusing us of being a disgrace to the community. This hostility has not only shattered our sense of safety but has also delayed our plans to reopen the family business.

"We have reached out to the council for support during this difficult time, but instead, we have been met with indifference.

"The ongoing court cases have only added to the burdens we face. It is disheartening to see our family’s struggle overlooked, and we hope for compassion and understanding as we navigate this challenging chapter.

"We ask for kindness and respect as we try to rebuild our lives and contribute positively to the community we love."

The Akaash pictured in 2003 (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, the verdict has been met with delight at Breckland Council. 

Sarah Suggitt, deputy leader of the council, said: "This legal victory is a major milestone in addressing the concerns surrounding this property, which has been a longstanding blight on the Market Place in Dereham.

"While the immediate repairs won’t drastically change the appearance of the building, ensuring its safety is our top priority. We hope this outcome encourages the owners to take responsibility for the property’s future and shows other property owners that Breckland Council will take all necessary steps to ensure essential works are carried out."

READ MORE: Former schoolhouse in Swaffham threatened with enforcement

Councillor Alison Webb (Image: Breckland Council) Alison Webb, who represents Dereham at the council, added: "While we would have preferred for the owners to have addressed this matter themselves some time ago, through Breckland Council's persistence and support of the court we're pleased to have now been able to deliver on our commitment to protect our high streets on behalf of our Dereham residents and visitors to the town.

"I'm a bit disappointed that the owners haven't agreed to make the whole building look lovely again but I hope this will lead them to making more changes."