A WISBECH guest house which has been run by one of the town’s most popular football figures may soon change hands.
Ashley Banfield, of Stamford, asked Fenland District Council for permission to convert Algethi Guest House, of 136 Lynn Road, Wisbech, from an eight bedroom guest house into a 10 bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on July 16.
HMO’s have least three tenants who live there, forming more than one household who all share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities.
The guesthouse is owned by former Wisbech Town player and manager Roy McManus, who has run it with his wife Liz for the past 25 years.
It has been closed for the last couple of months while the sale has been discussed.
He said: “We are very reluctant to sell. It has been a good business over the years and everyone knows us in the area.
“It can not be avoided due to an illness in the family.
“A buyer is interested and I am sure it will help the people of Fenland who may at the moment be having difficulties finding accommodation.
“I hope the council gives us a boost at this difficult time and grants planning permission.”
Mr McManus’ association with Wisbech Town started as a 10-year-old when he was a ball-boy at Fenland Park,
The 61-year-old spent most of his playing career at the club and managed them on three occasions.
He enjoyed a successful stint in charge from 1982-87, leading them to two FA Vase semi-finals.
Mr McManus was also manager in 2003-4 and for a final time from September 2007 to May 2008.
There is even a football team in Togo, Roy McManus Rovers FC, set up in his name who wear old Wisbech strips.
Mr McManus, a keen musician, has been a prolific fund-raiser for cancer charities since his father and son were killed by the disease.
He has raised more than £20,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, and North Cambs Hospital, Wisbech, by playing the keyboard at a host of venues across the Fens.
His team of helpers and singers celebrated the £20,000 fund-raising milestone with a party at The Case, Wisbech, last Decmeber.
Mr McManus is not resting on his laurels. Last week a memorial fishing match he organised on behalf of the Chemotherapy Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, raised £540.
He said: “There were 24 of us who took part in the match then we all went back to the Locomotive for a buffet, auction and raffle before I played a bit of music.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone who got involved.”
The McManus family plans to remain in the Wisbech area.
He said: “We hope to stay somewhere within the town. I played for many years at the football club and have many friends here.”
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