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The units are now being demolished for new walkways around the new town
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Passage to India boss Steve Hussain mourns Market Place

By Hugh Fort
January 25, 2012

A businessman forced out of his restaurant due to the building being unsafe has spoken of his sadness at its demolition to make way for the town centre regeneration.

Steve Hussain is the former owner of the Passage to India restaurant, which had to close after inspections by Bracknell Forest Council deemed the whole building to be unsafe.

The units in Market Place, which were hit by vandals shortly after closing, are now being demolished in a five-week project to allow space to be freed up for walkways around the new town.

After he left the restaurant, Steve became involved in a legal wrangle with Bracknell Forest Council over compensation at having to leave the unit.

He said he has taken some money to pay off a bank loan, but said the amount is "insulting" and pledged to continue to fight for what he believes the unit is worth.

He said: “It is really sad to see it get knocked down. That’s 20 years of hard work and history being knocked down.

“A lot of people in Bracknell know me because they knew about the Passage to India and it’s sad to see it go.”

Steve, who has always maintained his unit was fit for purpose, claims the compensation row meant he missed out on another town centre venue – the Red Lion pub in High Street.

The pub is now run by a friend of his, but Steve was looking to re-open his restaurant and says there is now nowhere in town.

He added there would not be anywhere to house a restaurant until the town is rebuilt.

He said: “I long to see it, I really do. I’d love to see a new town with somewhere to have a new Passage to India.”

Councillor Alan Ward, executive member for finance, resources and assets, explained: “The demolition of vacant properties in Market Place is due to start this month over a five- week period.

“The demolition is a part of the Bracknell town centre regeneration project and is vital so that key links can be made between the town centre, The Peel Centre and health space.

“Nearby traders are aware of the work and its timescale and the council apologises in advance for any inconvenience caused.”

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