A SMALL business owner whose shop was flooded with raw sewage and riddled with rot is to be evicted from her premises.

Samantha Cooper, owner of Ladywell Healing And Crystals on High Street, has been given notice to leave the shop after a long-running dispute with City Property.

The businesswoman has been rowing with the arms-length council property firm for more than half a decade about the state of the shop, which she says is covered with damp and rot.

She said she would go out of business if she was forced to pay a repair will for the damage, arguing it is a historic issue and should be paid for by owners, not tenants.

Now she has been told she must leave the premises after being critical of landlords City Property, who say they have offered numerous options for relocation.

In a letter, seen by the Evening Times the firm said: " I would take this opportunity to express my disappointment that you have continued to campaign so negatively towards City Property despite our consistent and continued efforts to bring this long standing dispute to a satisfactory conclusion.

"Given the unreasonable stance that you have continued to adopt regrettably I am now of the view that the landlord/tenant relationship is not sustainable. Consequently I do not consider it appropriate that we continue with our efforts to find you alternative City Property premises."

Samantha said: "All I'm doing is fighting for my livelihood. This has been a six year campaign. It tells you there is something very wrong with the system. This area is the last ancient bit of architecture in the city centre and it is being destroyed.

"We have tried everything but nothing has worked. The condition of the shop is absolutely horrendous. its not fit for purpose and they know that it's historic."

A City Property spokesman said: "From the outset City Property has shown a willingness to work with the tenant to find a suitable solution to the issues raised. We have been in constant communication with the tenant and a number meetings have taken place. These meetings have always been amicable and solutions to the problems identified that included the tenant requesting we undertake a further property search such was their desire to continue the landlord/tenant relationship.

"Whilst we have endeavoured to find a solution in a courteous and professional manner, the tenant has continued with their public tirade against City Property using every opportunity at their disposal to undermine our efforts. We are disappointed that they have continued with this unjustifiable criticism and as a result we feel the landlord/tenant relationship is no longer sustainable.

"As the tenant has already advised us of their intention to vacate the premises on High Street, in order to protect City Property’s position, we have commenced the process of obtaining a decree for eviction."