Port community rallies behind kebab business

MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition to help save Portz Kebab Arama Coffee House after the local business was informed its landholder would not be renewing its lease.

The change.org petition, started by concerned resident Rebecca Kelly last week, is directed at Bellarine MP Lisa Neville and calls on the Portarlington community to show their support.

Ms Kelly states in her petition that Portz Kebabs has operated from 38 Newcombe Street Portarlington for more than 10 years, but their landholders recently informed them that they had to move out and would not renew their lease, due to wanting to develop the land behind the shop.

“As a long-term business that’s been part of our community for a long time, many members of this community wish to show that support back and would be saddened to see its closure,” Ms Kelly said.

“We need to lobby City of Greater Geelong planning department and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville to show how the loss of another business in the area will affect the overall impact of central Portarlington as a vibrant shopping and business strip.

“There’s also the fact that the building was originally the first grocers in the area (circa 1910), so we have concerns for the building’s integrity should the development go ahead as the landowners are excavating two metres down.”

The petition comes after Portz Kebabs owners Alin and Bayram Cingoz took to their Facebook page on May 29 to share the news.

“We have been handed some devastating news that we are to close by midnight, 30th of June, 2019. So that is 31 days away.

“To say we are gutted is an understatement, we have for nine years, enjoyed our time running the shop immensely, and have gotten to know you all, and your orders, over the years.

“In that time, it has been an absolute pleasure to serve this community and we are eternally grateful for all of your support.

“We are still looking at legal options to keep the business going but we fear the end of an era is imminent should the legal process fail.”

Supporter Robyn Freeman said: “It would be a very sad day if this beautiful business had to close down after all the hard work that they have done over the last 10 years. It is a Portarlington icon. They have also proven that they are loyal tenants.”