ABY S Catering have been told they can remain at the Exmouth Pavilion caf�. Leisure East Devon, who operate the facility on behalf of East Devon District Council, have drawn up an agreement for them to remain at the venue temporarily. The Journal understa

ABY'S Catering have been told they can remain at the Exmouth Pavilion caf�.

Leisure East Devon, who operate the facility on behalf of East Devon District Council, have drawn up an agreement for them to remain at the venue temporarily.

The Journal understands the agreement is temporary owing to the fact legal proceedings are still ongoing as to who runs the caf� on a permanent basis.

It is not known, however, how long the temporary agreement lasts.

Staff Posh Nosh, a Topsham-based catering business, were under the impression they were due to take over at the Pavilion on April 1, after LED put the restaurant's management contract out to tender, which they won.

Aby's Catering have challenged the prospect that a separate firm could take over, claiming they have the legal right to remain and renew its contract.

More than 120 people voiced their concern over the possibility Aby's Catering could be forced out of the Pavilion by signing a comments book at the caf� expressing their disapproval.

The comments were gained in just a ten day period last month.

Betty Willoughby, of Gussiford Lane, said: "You will lose the best advert for the town if you let this go! Everyone feels completely at home here - wonderful friendly staff and service."

Mrs Allum, of Ivydale, said: "We could do with a lot more places like this here in Exmouth."

The Turner family, of Henley Road, said the caf�, under the management of Aby's Catering, provided a vital contribution to the community, in particular, by helping support older and vulnerable people.

Ivor Pike, from Exmouth Conservative Club, said the quality of food offered by Aby's Catering was of a high calibre. The conservative club has held its annual dinner at the caf� for a number of years.

Ivor said: "Every year I am moved to write a letter of appreciation because the quality of the dinner is crucial in the success of the evening.

"There has grown a great feeling of mutual respect between ourselves and yourselves as our caterers over the last three years because of the service you give.