A business man who had to pack up his car wash business claims the council kicked him out for no reason.

Lawrence Swerin, who owned Fitness Hands, behind The Venue Health Club in Elstree Way, was told to shut up shop so the space could be used as an extra car park for the leisure centre.

The 64-year-old had a 28-day rolling contract with Hertsmere Borough Council, paying £8,000 a year for the use of the land, but was given three months' notice last October to pack up his equipment and move off the site.

However, eight months on, Mr Swerin says the council has not done anything with land and believes he was kicked off for no reason.

He said: “You can see what they’ve done with the car park – nothing. I was told they were going to knock down walls and things to open it out and make more spaces, but all they have done is clear it to let four cars park there.”

“At the end of the day, I wouldn’t take the site back if they offered it to me for free of charge, because I have a much better life now, but it’s the principal of it. My question is why did they kick me out if they’re not using it.”

The council was forced to terminate Mr Swerin’s temporary licence due to its new contract with Hertsmere Leisure.

Under the partnership, a change was made to the leisure group's parking permit allowance meaning The Venue needed more on-site parking – and so the car wash had to go.

Glen Wooldrige, director of environment, said: “As we explained last year, the land previously occupied by the car wash business is needed by Hertsmere Leisure to provide additional car parking for staff and members of The Venue leisure centre.”

Now a market stall holder, Mr Swerin believes the council still has questions to answer as to why he was given notice to leave the site.

He added: “I got on well with everyone and always remember my customers. I gave the council £8,000 a year for that land, along with a load of money to charity, and now they’re getting nothing from these four cars.

"It doesn’t seem like good business if you ask me.”