British Gas officials today said they will cut off the supply at a Shrewsbury restaurant after they filed for a court warrant demanding payment of more than £20,000.

But Alastair Brown, manager of Grazia restaurant in Victoria Quay, today claimed the outstanding payment was a mistake and was currently in discussion with the company over the alleged error.

British Gas Business was given a right of entry warrant at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court yesterday to enter Grazia because of the unpaid debt.

A spokeswoman for British Gas Business today said £22,927.10 was still outstanding.

She said: “The balances on the accounts for Grazia are correct and as British Gas Business has got a warrant to enter the property, we will be removing the gas meter, which may also result in the disconnection of the electricity supply.” 

Right of entry means that a court warrant has been granted to gain access to the building to disconnect the supply of any utility due to non-payment.

The spokeswoman added: “We are in contact with Grazia, and we will continue to liaise with customers up to the disconnection point to agree payments of any outstanding balance.”

Mr Brown said his restaurant had appointed cost management firm Auditel to address invoices that were being received as it was the business’s belief it was being overcharged for the supply of gas. In a statement, he said: “Grazia has subsequently received a number of credit notes relating to the overcharges (£19,562.92).”

Mr Brown said British Gas Business had not informed its litigation department which resulted in the case being heard. He claimed the record had now been  amended accordingly.