THE owners of an under-threat rollerskating rink are inviting the public to a free skate session as they desperately try to secure a future for the much loved attraction.
Rollerworld, which has operated in Colchester for 32 years, has accused its landlord Petchey Holdings of making unreasonable demands, culminating in the issuing of a 'notice to quit' in July 2020.
The owners, Jason and Anne Khan, accused their landlord of raising rent costs, failing to pay for repairs to the building's roof and putting up 'To Let' signs outside the attraction.
The owners said their business remains under "serious threat of closure".
Petchey Holdings told the Gazette they have remained in negotiations with the owners for more than two years, even offering terms for a new lease "below the market rate".
Mr and Mrs Khan said: "The reason is they want a huge amount more money and to remove more than 30 per cent of our car park, plus turn it into a highway for commercial vehicles."
The Khans are set to hold a free skate and Q&A event on Tuesday, October 11, between 7pm and 11pm.
All are welcome, with councillors and dignitaries attending and the owners set to make a speech from 8pm.
The owners added: "We will be announcing what is happening to you all, what we consider our skating family, and that is why we have named it the 'Fellowship of The Rink'.
"It is a free entry event to skate.
"Anne and I will be available all night and there will be chances for you to have your say.
"Skating on our world class rink is free all night."
Rollerworld struggled financially during the pandemic with losses of more than £5,000 every week whilst it remained closed.
Its owners Anne and Jason Khan launched a fundraising appeal to keep the business going.
A spokesman for Petchey Holdings said: “Contrary to Jason’s recent comments to the press we can confirm we have instead been in negotiations with him for over two years and have had numerous meetings with him, and more latterly his advisors, and we’ve also previously offered him terms for a new lease below the market rate and remain open to continued negotiations."
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