After a decade of ownership, Victor Clough fights to keep operating the Balmoral Kiosk

AFTER a decade of ownership, Victor Clough has launched a community campaign in a bid to keep operating a kiosk by the popular Balmoral Beach.

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THE owner of the Balmoral Kiosk has launched a community campaign to save his business.

Victor Clough, who has run the business for a decade, was notified last October his lease would not be renewed when it expires in March.

Mr Clough subleases the space from Watermark Restaurant Pty Ltd, which operates the Public Dining Room.

The kiosk is a popular option for snacks and drinks for the hordes of people who visit Balmoral Beach. Picture: Adam Ward

He is now pleading for community — and Mosman Council — support in an attempt to continue running the kiosk.

“It was stressed to me when I first started, that the people of Balmoral, and Mosman generally, treat this shop as a community asset as much as anything else,” he said.

“We have been very, very mindful that this is for the community. (It’s) the only place on Balmoral Beach that is open every day of the year.”

He said the loss of the kiosk would be a devastating blow.

“The business is my life, it’s what I’ve done, it’s what I do and I’ve acted in good faith,” he said.

The community campaign involves social media, flyers and stickers on coffee cups.

It is understood Watermark Restaurant Pty Ltd would take over the function of the kiosk.

The building that houses the kiosk and the Public Dining Room is owned by Mosman Council.

The council entered into a lease agreement with Watermark Restaurant Pty Ltd in 2008.

The building that houses both the Balmoral Kiosk and Public Dining Room. Picture: David Swift

“It’s completely impossible for council to intervene in the sublease,” Mosman Mayor Peter Abelson said.

“This council cannot overturn its lease with Watermark.”

The Mosman Daily contacted Watermark Restaurant Pty Ltd for comment.