A business has announced it is being forced to close due to "unmanageable" business rates.
Slideways Rc Drift, a drift and tracks shop in the Concourse Shopping Centre in Skelmersdale, has announced its imminent closure. The company took to social media to tell customers it plans to shut its doors for the final time on Saturday, April 15.
While the business was keen to emphasise the decision has not been taken due to the Concourse itself or the rent prices, with the business claiming to be happy with everything to do with the location. Slideways, which operates as a Community Interest Company (CIC), wrote: "There isn't an easy way to say this. Unfortunately, we will be closing our shop in the Concourse on the 15th of April.
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"Please note this isn't anything to do with rent prices or the Concourse. We are really happy with everything they have done for us whilst we have been in the centre. The reason we are having to leave is down to unmanageable and unrealistic business rates which are beyond what we can afford whilst in the centre.
"I have had a very constructive conversation with both the centre and the rates office and unfortunately we have no option but to leave and find somewhere which is smaller and therefore less of a burden on the business. I am unsure at the moment what form we will be back in when we find a new venue but I am hoping that we can still provide similar activities to what we do right now.
"Thank you everyone for your support over the past 12 months but we will be back as soon as possible. John and the Rc Driftworks team."
Customers of the shop were quick to share their disappointment with the news, reports LancsLive. One person wrote: "Such a shame! All the kids look like they are having so much fun when I pass the shop!"
Another said: "My son will be devastated. He loves his Saturday sessions. Please let us know if, when and where you do set up again." Slideways have responded to a few posts, stating that they hope to get back up and running in a new location as quickly as they can.
John, the owner of the business, also posted further clarification of the situation. He said: "This has been a hard year for us. The shop just about pays its rent and utilities and I don't take a wage from this as this would have truly finished us off.
"Any spare money went straight back into keeping us going. I asked many times for someone to come and see us to get an understanding of what we do but we were told no!
"I also stated that I want the CIC to stand on its own two feet but this needs patience and time. The councillors are the ones who can raise this with some weight behind it."
LancsLive contacted West Lancashire Borough Council for comment.
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