Talented – Myla Cobden with her coach and former UK artistic champion Amy Rainbow (Image: Social Media)
Here at Elite Magazine we received an email from a concerned dad, Thomas, saying, "I am writing to you with a heavy heart to help all the Young Children and Adults of all Ages and with Disabilitys or Specials needs and other in Colchester and Towns in Essex and beyond that use the Facility Rollerworld Skate Rink in Colchester.
You might be aware Rollerworld is under threat of being forced to close by there Landlord Petchey Holdings/James Newland that you may or may not know, we only have Until the 30th of November to turn this around and stop Rollerworld being shut for good, the full story can be found here and this will have such a huge impact on everyone on colchester and Essex and beyond.
Please please find it in your heart to Help in some way, I dont know what sort of powers you have in the community or in the property world even if its just to spread the word to the people or know someone that might be able to help and please link to anyone you know that could potentially help.
The issue is not just about money. The Landlord is behaving in this way because the law is out of date, making it legal for him make such demands. James Newland (Petchey Holdings) is currently demanding £255,000 (it is only on Rightmove for £250,000 per year), proving he does not want to negotiate with Rollerworld.
Rollerworld's last offer was £200,000 (from the current rate of £120,000), they rejected it immediately and closed negotiations. This is already above market value and when they have been told about maintenance issues in the past, they are not interested. The Owner of Rollerworld even had to repair the roof during lockdown. So, there is little protection or say for the tenants. In addition, James Newland wants the back area of the car park for lorries. These HGVs plan to enter that area through the car park that Rollerworld customers will park (at the righthand side of the Buidling near the fire exit doors). This makes it very dangerous for all users, especially children or the deaf. Equally, if you want Rollerworld to grow, you simply cannot remove large section of the car park, otherwise how can they hold events etc?
Please contact me for anything or Rollerworld direct if you have an idea that could help resolve this issue etc, I would love to hear from you and so would Rollerworld
This would be a tragedy for Colchester alone if Rollerworld was to be lost."
