AUSTRALIA - Rebels Motorcycle gang say sorry to landlord

OFF THE WIRE
The owner of the Porowini Ave building occupied by the Rebels Motorcycle Club is pleased the club is moving out after it apologised to him for bringing unwanted attention to the property.

The Rebels, who moved into 37 Porowini Ave over Easter weekend, announced last week they would move out because of public pressure on the building's owner, Noel Dyer.

A spokesman said the club had not intended to cause problems by setting up a kickboxing club and gym at the property.

There was widespread police and public opposition after the motorcycle club moved in, with a heavy police response as the club members went on a bike ride on Easter Saturday.

Mr Dyer said the club had apologised to him for the trouble their presence had caused him.

"They haven't done anything wrong yet, but I will be looking for a new tenant. I've already got my To Let signs up," Mr Dyer said.

He had agreed to let the club keep its boxing ring in the building while looking for another place to set it up.

"They want to keep it up to give the young fellows some boxing training," he said.

Mr Dyer said the club had not signed a lease agreement for the Porowini Ave building.

"We agreed on a price, which is a lot less than normal for that building.

It's not that easy to let buildings at the moment.

"I just thought it was letting them set up a gym to give some young fellows a boxing club. I thought that's what would be going on."

He said the club realised it had embarrassed him.

"It was good of them to apologise ... but I won't be leasing a building to them again."

A club spokesman said the negative attention had detracted from the club's efforts to run a boxing club and gym. The Rebels plan to hold a charity boxing match in the near future. The man said the club would relocate to one of three other buildings it leased in the central city area.

http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/local/news/rebels-motorcycle-gang-say-sorry-to-landlord/3950999/