A ROLLERSKATING brand has officially vacated the premises in which it existed and thrived for more than three decades after shutting down.

Rollerworld, which was located in Moorside, Colchester, closed its doors in November after bringing joy to an entire community for 32 years.

After shutting up shop just over two months ago staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to empty the site ahead of the moving out date of February 5.

During the race-against-the-clock clear out everything from the venue’s Canadian maple skating rink to its lighting rig had to be removed and placed in storage.

The iconic neon Rollerworld sign was also dismantled while hordes of rollerskates were wrapped up and placed in boxes to prevent them from gathering mould.

Anne Khan, who had owned the historic skating rink alongside husband Jason since 2018, said: “What we have been really amazed by is the love people have shown.

“I don’t think we could recreate this but maybe we will create something better - we will definitely do something.

“It is very sad and very depressing at times but without the help of all the amazing people we would not be able to do this.

“Hopefully we will see you all soon in Rollerworld 2.”

Anne and Jason closed Rollerworld after landlord Petchey Holdings increased their rent from £100,000 per year to £250,000.

Bosses at the company previously told the Gazette they considered the terms for the new lease to be “below the market rate.”

The couple initially refused to agree to the increase but eventually accepted the quarter of a million pounds asking fee but negotiations then fell silent.

One worker, who helped Rollerworld move out of Moorside, said: “I am angry and it is really sad.

“It angers me because we worked so hard to keep the place going and keep it running but now we [have had to] take it all apart.”

As part of what could be an eventual Rollerworld rebuild, Anne and Jason are now in the process of reopening their Demon Extreme skate shop in London Road, Stanway.

“We are setting up in Stanway so if anyone wants to talk to us we are still about and we still have a shop,” added Anne.