A STALWART of Wokingham’s nighttime economy is looking forward to a more secure future after his kebab van found a new site to continue trading.
Kenan Nursalson, who has run the BBQ King kebab and burger van in Reading Road for the last 26 years, is looking forward to many more years of success after a licensing dispute was settled.
The van, which had been trading from a site near the bus stop opposite St Paul’s Church, has now moved into a more permanent setting within the car park of the Wokingham Youth Centre.
Concerns were raised by Wokingham police over the safety of bus passengers having to step into the road when customers of the kebab van parked in the bus stop, leading to West Berkshire Council, which looks after licensing issues, revoking the van’s licence.
Mr Nursalson approached his friend and Norreys West town councillor, Cllr Colin George for help after receiving a letter informing him that his license would not be renewed.
Cllr George liaised with borough council leader Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for highways, Cllr Malcolm Richards, and executive member for planning and regeneration, Cllr Mark Ashwell, as well as West Berkshire Council licensing officer Paul Anstey, to try to find a suitable resolution for everyone concerned.
He said: “Kenan’s van has been in the area for more than 20 years, and he is a very respected and well-liked member of the community.
“The Revd Richard Lamey, the rector at St Paul’s Church, speaks very highly of him as he actually saved the church when it was struck by lightning in 2004.
“Because Kenan runs his business until late into the night, he saw the smoke coming out of the church and called the fire brigade.
“When Revd Richard heard about Kenan having to move, he was very concerned and urged me to help.
“It has taken a long time, around six months in all and countless amounts of emails back and forth, but finally we have come to an agreement where the van can move into the car park of Wokingham Youth Centre. It works well because Kenan’s customers can now park safely, and the youth centre essentially has a security guard until 3am every night.
“As a town councillor I was very happy to act as a link between Kenan and the borough council. It is not a straightforward process for anyone, least of all if English is not your first language, as is the case for Kenan.
“It’s nice to be able to help people and show them that the council does work.”
Mr Nursalson said: “Cllr George really helped me, he is a very nice person and has saved my business.
“This business is my life, and I really feel like I am part of the community here.
“I know my customers by name, and I get their orders ready for them before they even ask.
“I am here to serve the community, I never wanted to cause any trouble, but I am really glad that this has been sorted out.
“We just need people to know that we are still here, we are still in business and hopefully we can continue to do well.”
