TWO friends of the couple behind a failed town centre restaurant have issued legal proceedings to recover hundreds of pounds they say they are owed.

Danny McDonough, 23, and Nathan Howard, 25, did work for Mike Hajewskyj and his partner Pam Bates before they opened Gioia Italiano in Church Street, Blackburn, at the end of November last year.

Since it closed suddenly last month, the two self-employed businessmen, both from Darwen, have been trying to get the cash back.

They claim they know of at least five other firms owed cash. The Lancashire Telegraph understands the company behind the restaurant, still registered as ‘active’ by Companies House, owes Blackburn with Darwen Council thousands.

Mr McDonough, of Eventech UK, said: “I installed sound, lighting and CCTV equipment for Mike and Pam at ‘mates' rates’ and have not seen a penny of the more than £1,000 I am owed

“I have issued legal proceedings which will go before Burnley Crown County Court in February to get my money and equipment back. I suppose they are now former friends.”

Mr Howard, who runs Howard Decorating and Building Contractors, said: “I am very frustrated and have issued an online legal claim.

“I did more than £1,000 of work and got paid a few small cash sums. I am frustrated and disappointed.”

Mr Hajewskyj said yesterday: “Who says we owe them money? We have been in touch with our solicitor and we will be releasing a statement in the next few days.”

Clare Turner, council head of town centres, said: “We have not received any official notification regarding the status of the company.”

The council owns the premises where Gioia was located and gave them a rent holiday. It is owed money, understood to run into five figures, for business rates and costs.