‘Disgusting’ shop units not owned by Rubicon.

The owners and managers of the bulk of Lace Walk Shopping Centre have moved to assure the public that they have worked hard to create a pleasant environment for shoppers and tenants - and to point out they have no connection to the two units described as “disgusting” by a business leader.

Responding to Colin Wright’s comments, published last week, a statement said: “Rubicon West plc own the whole of Lace Walk, with the exception of the unit let to Iceland and units 14 and 15 which were the subject of the report.

“Clem Dobson Associates manage those parts of the centre owned by Rubicon.

“We have worked extremely hard to ensure Lace walk is a clean, safe, pleasant and attractive environment for shoppers and tenants alike.”

Rubicon last year funded the new housing for Honiton’s relief sculpture.

Last month the company erected bunting for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Olympics, and kept the patriotic theme with red, white and blue hanging baskets.

Local charities are grateful to Rubicon for allowing them space in the shopping centre to raise money and promote their causes.

The statement pointed out: “The two units referred to are, in fact, let to Britannia and their current ‘disgusting’ state is their responsibility to rectify.

“We would be delighted to see the units occupied but we have no control over them as we do not own them.”

The statement also stressed the company’s tireless efforts to ensure its units are fully let. The only vacancy it has had is the small kiosk unit which was let last October.