27th October 2025

A.I. (LEISURE) LIMITED

Company number 03223148

Liquidated.

Compulsory strike off.

Compulsory strike off

27th October 2025

Amanda Timpany – Property solicitor at City of Stoke on Trent Council. The lead solicitor from Cheshire East who was sealing and signing all the documents, communicating with their solicitor and telling the freeholders to vacate as soon as possible was Amanda Timpany.  

Mr Bryn Higgott then appeared on the scene, as a voice of Cheshire East Council,  and would appear to have claimed that the council solicitor, Ms Amanda Timpany, never existed and that the freeholders had no deal; please bear in mind that there is a plethora of evidence suggesting otherwise.  

27th October 2025

Business owners W. Abbasi and E. Abbassi, proprietors of The Entertainment Centre at 10–16 Great King Street in Macclesfield, have raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing redevelopment of the Churchill Way car park site, earmarked for a new cinema, restaurants, and other commercial outlets by Cheshire East Council (CEC) and developer ASK Real Estate.

The Abbasis claim that their building, originally considered part of the main development site, was later excluded from plans at a stroke, leaving them facing a brutal forced relocation and the shutdown of their long-standing café. Despite extensive negotiations and compliance with the council’s demands, they allege that they were left in limbo, unable to restart their business, while other businesses on the site reportedly recovered more quickly.

The owners contend that the council and developer’s actions amounted to institutional discrimination, singling them out as first-generation minority entrepreneurs. They report that recent plans suggest the construction of an “enclave-style” wall around their building—effectively segregating it from the rest of the development. They describe this move as punitive, stating that it seems designed to send a message for raising concerns publicly.

In response, the Abbasis have submitted a series of formal requests to Cheshire East Council, seeking:

• Copies of draft and final site plans, meeting minutes, and emails regarding the Macclesfield Town Centre Vision Stakeholder Panel.
• Clarification on the proposed wall, including height, construction materials, and access rights.
• Details of public funds spent on the project, consultant fees, and stakeholder engagement.
• Information on waste disposal plans for the new development, particularly concerning their building.
• Evidence of engagement with their business as direct stakeholders, including invitations, meeting minutes, or other correspondence.

The couple allege that the council and developer have systematically ignored them over the past five years, while consulting widely with other stakeholders. They emphasize that their requests are rooted in a desire for transparency, accountability, and fair treatment, highlighting that no formal response or credible explanation has been provided to date.

The Abbasis’ case raises broader questions about inclusivity in local development projects, minority representation in planning consultations, and accountability in the use of public funds. As Macclesfield anticipates significant commercial transformation, this dispute underscores the human impact behind urban redevelopment—particularly for longstanding local businesses that find themselves excluded or marginalized.

27th October 2025

Bryn Graham Higgott was indeed involved in the SHAPE Legal Partnership, particularly during its later stages.

Role in SHAPE Legal Partnership

Bryn Higgott served as a locum solicitor within the partnership, contributing to the legal services provided to the participating councils. His involvement was especially notable in the context of Somerset West and Taunton Council, which succeeded Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset District Council following local government restructuring in April 2019.

Current Position

As of October 2023, Bryn Higgott was listed as a locum solicitor at Somerset County Council, indicating his continued engagement in legal services within the Somerset region. Law Society Solicitors Directory

The SHAPE Legal Service – Contract Update report, presented to the Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) Scrutiny Committee on 24 July 2018, provides a detailed review of the partnership’s performance and financial arrangements up to that point.

Overview of the SHAPE Legal Partnership

• Formation and Structure: Established in 2015, the SHAPE Legal Partnership involved TDBC, West Somerset District Council (WSDC), and Mendip District Council (MDC), with MDC acting as the host authority. Legal services staff from TDBC were transferred to MDC under TUPE regulations.
• Service Areas: The partnership provided legal advice across various domains, including corporate/governance, planning, commercial, highways, health, property, enforcement/prosecutions, electoral law, employment, housing, litigation, and licensing.
• Exclusions: Certain areas were excluded from the SHAPE contract, such as monitoring officer functions, complex commercial cases, matters involving conflicts of interest, and legal work on outsourced matters.

Financial Arrangements and Caseload

• Initial Contributions: At the inception of the partnership, TDBC’s contribution was estimated at approximately 36% of the total caseload, equating to £201,000 per annum. However, this was an approximation due to limited management information.
• Revised Contributions: By 2018/19, TDBC’s actual usage of SHAPE services had increased to approximately 54% of the total caseload, leading to a revised annual contribution of around £303,000. This adjustment was due to increased legal support requirements in areas such as contracts, monitoring officer guidance, and property-related matters.
• Cost Reductions: The partnership initially negotiated a 15% cost reduction compared to the cost of TDBC’s existing in-house legal team.
• Inflationary Adjustments: While the contract allowed for inflationary increases, SHAPE did not charge these increases until the 2017/18 financial year.
• Additional Legal Services: For complex commercial cases beyond the base contract, TDBC engaged a locum solicitor employed by SHAPE, with costs incurred separately from the standard contribution.

Operational Support and Governance

• On-Site Presence: SHAPE ensured staff availability at TDBC’s Deane House throughout the week. The SHAPE Business Services Manager routinely worked at Deane House and attended Full Council meetings, facilitating direct communication and support.
• Inter-Authority Agreement: An inter-authority agreement was established between TDBC, MDC, and WSDC for the provision of legal services from 2015/16 to 2019/20, outlining the terms and conditions of the partnership.

Conclusion

The report underscores the evolving nature of the SHAPE Legal Partnership, highlighting the increased reliance of TDBC on shared legal services and the associated financial implications. It reflects the partnership’s adaptability in meeting the growing legal needs of the council while maintaining a collaborative approach with partner authorities.

For a comprehensive understanding, you can access the full report here: SHAPE Legal Service – Contract Update.

The SHAPE Legal Year End Report – Year 4, dated April 2019, provides a comprehensive overview of the partnership’s activities and achievements up to that point. Authored by David Clark and Lesley Dolan, the report outlines the progress of the Law & Governance service, which was the first SHAPE Partnership service to be established.

Key Highlights from the Report

• Transition to Somerset West and Taunton Council: The partnership successfully facilitated the transition of legal services from Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) and West Somerset Council (WSC) to the newly formed Somerset West and Taunton Council on 1 April 2019.
• Support for Major Projects: The legal team provided ongoing support for significant initiatives, including the application of new tools under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to secure Closure Orders and Public Space Protection Orders.
• Preparation for GDPR: Assistance was provided to all partners in preparation for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
• Expansion of Client Base: The partnership successfully expanded its customer base and diversified the range of work commissioned, enhancing its service offerings.

Future Priorities

Looking ahead, the partnership identified several key priorities:

• Support for the New Authority: Continued assistance for the newly established Somerset West and Taunton Council.
• Client Satisfaction Survey: Commissioning a client satisfaction survey to gather feedback and improve services.
• Streamlining Processes: Collaborating with the Assets Team to streamline the commissioning of work and associated processes.
• Growth and Marketing Plan: Implementing a growth and marketing plan to promote services, identify new clients, and explore income generation opportunities.
• Review of Partnership Structure: Reviewing and recasting the partnership to ensure it continues to support the strategic direction of the partner authorities.

The report concludes with recommendations to endorse the progress made to date and support the development of growth and marketing plans.

For a detailed breakdown of the report, including case work statistics and staff matters, you can refer to the full document here: SHAPE Legal Year End Report – Year 4.

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27th October 2025

In a bid to modernize and streamline public services, Mendip, Taunton Deane, and West Somerset councils joined forces in 2015 to form the SHAPE Legal Partnership, a collaborative initiative aimed at delivering shared legal services efficiently across the three authorities.

The partnership, hosted by Mendip District Council, brought together legal teams from the participating councils under one roof, ensuring expertise in corporate governance, planning, highways, commercial law, and health-related legal matters could be shared seamlessly. Staff were transferred under TUPE regulations, providing continuity for both employees and the communities they serve.

Cost efficiency was a key driver for the initiative. By pooling resources, the councils projected immediate savings of up to 15% for West Somerset and 10–15% for Taunton Deane, with Mendip aiming for a 14% reduction over five years. Beyond finances, the partnership also focused on providing comprehensive training for council staff, reinforcing governance and legal compliance across the board.

With the creation of Somerset Council in April 2023, the SHAPE Legal Partnership concluded, as part of a broader move towards a single unitary authority replacing the previous district councils, including Mendip, Sedgemoor, and Somerset West and Taunton. The restructuring aimed to simplify governance and enhance service delivery across the county.

Although the SHAPE Legal Partnership has now ended, its legacy remains. It set a pioneering example for collaborative working among local authorities in Somerset, demonstrating the tangible benefits of shared services — from financial savings to improved efficiency and professional development.

As Somerset Council continues to evolve, the experience of SHAPE serves as a reminder of the power of cooperation, and how local authorities can innovate to better serve their communities.

While specific names of individual lawyers involved in the SHAPE Legal Partnership are not publicly detailed in the available documents, the partnership’s structure included:

• Legal Services Staff: Professionals who provided legal advice and support across various areas such as corporate governance, planning, highways, commercial law, health, housing, and employment.
• Business Services Manager: Responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of the partnership, including coordinating with partner councils and ensuring service delivery standards.
• Client Manager: Typically a senior officer from one of the partner councils, acting as the primary liaison between the legal team and the council’s leadership, ensuring that legal services met the councils’ needs.

For instance, the Group Manager – Law and Governance Services and the Law & Governance Business Services Manager were key figures in managing the partnership’s operations and client relationships. These roles involved regular meetings with client representatives to assess service delivery and identify areas for improvement.

If you’re seeking information about specific individuals who worked within the SHAPE Legal Partnership, I recommend contacting Somerset Council, which succeeded the previous councils following the local government restructuring in April 2023. They may be able to provide more detailed information or direct you to the appropriate records.

For further details, you might find the following resources helpful:

• SHAPE Legal Year End Report – Year 4
• SHAPE Legal Service – Contract Update

These documents provide insights into the operational aspects and management of the partnership.

27th October 2025

Public records confirm that Bryn Graham Higgott is a solicitor who has worked within local-authority legal services, including at Cheshire East Council and other local bodies. His name also appears on historic company records linked with a number of small legal and business entities registered in Teesside between the 1990s and 2010s.

The Law Society’s Solicitors Register lists Mr Higgott as a practising solicitor. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published formal decisions about his practising certificate in 2014 and 2015. Those notices—available on the SRA’s website—state that his certificate was granted subject to conditions. Such conditions are not findings of misconduct but are regulatory controls imposed “in the public interest” to limit or define the scope of practice.

The published SRA outcomes specify that:

• Mr Higgott may act as a solicitor in in-house employment for a local authority, or in commerce and industry;
• He may not act as a sole practitioner or owner of an authorised law firm without further approval; and
• The SRA regarded these measures as proportionate under Regulation 7 of the 2011 Practising Regulations and the Legal Services Act 2007.

Earlier records show Mr Higgott had previously been suspended from practice for two years in 2011 following a decision of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. That suspension period has expired, and he later returned to practice under the controlled conditions described above.

In the early 2000s, employment-tribunal proceedings reported in national and regional press involved Higgotts Solicitors Ltd—a Billingham-based firm of which Mr Higgott was principal—and a former employee, Denise McLaren. The tribunal found in favour of the employee on grounds of unfair dismissal and awarded compensation; the findings were reported by the Evening Gazette and syndicated via The Free Library news archive in 2004.

Companies House filings list Mr Higgott as having held numerous directorships since the 1990s, including at Higgotts Solicitors Ltd, Higgotts Ltd, and other small private companies such as Albion Gaul Ltd and Venturepoint Ltd. Most of these entities have since been dissolved.

Regarding Cheshire East Council, public meeting documents confirm that Mr Higgott has acted as a member of the council’s legal team. The council has not issued any public statement linking him to disputes mentioned by residents.

What can be proved:

• Mr Higgott is a qualified solicitor regulated by the SRA.
• The SRA imposed formal practising-certificate conditions in 2014 and 2015.
• He has worked for Cheshire East Council and other public bodies in in-house roles.
• His earlier private firm, Higgotts Solicitors Ltd, is now dissolved.
• A 2004 employment-tribunal judgment concerning his former firm is a matter of public record.

Readers wishing to confirm details can consult the Solicitors Regulation Authority website (www.sra.org.uk/consumers/solicitor-check) and the Companies House register for company histories. Both are authoritative and freely available.

Sources: SRA regulatory-decision notices (2014–2015); Law Society Solicitors Register; Companies House filings; The Gazette; tribunal reports archived via The Free Library; Cheshire East Council public documents (accessed October 2025).

27th October 2025

Across England, many district and unitary councils have moved away from running separate in-house legal departments. Instead, they pool staff and expertise through “shared-service” partnerships.

Under this model, solicitors employed by one council can provide advice or representation to several partner authorities. It allows councils to reduce duplication, share specialist lawyers, and maintain consistent legal standards across planning, housing, and governance functions.

In Somerset, for example, the SHAPE Legal Partnership—involving councils such as Mendip, Sedgemoor and Taunton Deane—was one of the early collaborations of this kind. When Somerset’s new unitary council was created in 2023, many of these shared teams were absorbed into the single authority’s structure.

Solicitors working within shared services remain regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and appear in the Law Society’s Solicitors Register like any other practising lawyer. The difference lies only in their employer and client structure: rather than serving one council exclusively, they provide professional support across several linked authorities.

Residents with questions about legal-service arrangements or about who advises their local council can usually find relevant information in committee reports or annual governance statements published on council democracy portals.

Romiley Gazette – Local Government & Legal Affairs
October 27th 2025

Profile: Solicitor Bryn Higgott and his work with local councils

Public records show that Bryn Graham Higgott is a practising solicitor who has spent much of his career working in local-government legal services in the South West.

According to the Law Society’s Solicitors Directory, Mr Higgott remains a registered solicitor in England and Wales. His professional experience includes roles connected with the SHAPE Legal Partnership—a shared service that provided legal support to councils such as Mendip District Council—and subsequently with Somerset Council, which absorbed Mendip’s functions in 2023.

Council documents available on public meeting websites list “Bryn Higgott, Legal Services” as an author or legal advisor on several reports for Mendip-area authorities. These records suggest that his involvement came through an in-house or shared-service capacity, rather than via a separate commercial contract.

Companies House also lists a Bryn G. Higgott as a company officer of HIGGOTTS SOLICITORS LTD, a small legal practice registered in Billingham, County Durham. No evidence has been found in publicly available procurement registers to indicate that this firm held direct paid contracts with Mendip District Council.

Mr Higgott’s combination of public-sector and private-practice experience illustrates the mixed model increasingly common in local-government law, where councils share specialist staff across districts to control costs and maintain expertise. The SHAPE partnership—serving authorities such as Mendip, Sedgemoor and Taunton Deane—was among the early adopters of this collaborative structure.

There are no disciplinary findings or adverse regulatory notices recorded against Bryn Graham Higgott in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s public register.

Residents seeking to understand how shared legal services operate within Somerset’s new unitary system can view background papers and legal-service updates on the Somerset Council democracy website, where Mr Higgott’s name continues to appear in published reports.

Sources: Law Society Solicitors Directory; Companies House officer listings; public council documents from Mendip District Council, SHAPE Legal Partnership and Somerset Council (accessed October 2025).