Over £100,000 in rates written off after pub firm and manufacturer failed

THE collapse of a pub operator and manufacturer is forcing a council in North Wales to write off more than £100K. The Druid Inn in Pontblyddyn closed its doors in November 2020 as many firms struggled in the pandemic.

- By OWEN HUGHES

Druid Inn (Mold) Ltd ceased trading and Royce Peeling Green Limited Insolvency Practitioners were appointed in March 2023. After the pub's closure the company built up empty property business rate charges.

The council lodged a claim of £33,400 as part of the liquidation. But they have been informed that there is no prospect of receiving a dividend from the liquidation and outstanding business rates is deemed to be irrecoverable. The pub site has now been sold but the inn remains closed.

Meanwhile Premier Grip Trading Ltd, a manufacturer at Chester West Employment Park, entered a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation in 2024 and winding up of the company commenced. A proof of debt form was submitted by the Council as part of a claim for unpaid business rates of £74,200.

They have since been informed that there will be no divided payment for unsecured creditors.

Flintshire council's cabinet will next week be asked to write off £107,581.59 in rates from the two former businesses.

On the Druid, a report for cabinet said: "Druid Inn (Mold) Ltd operated as a public house operator registered on Companies House and responsible for the business rates liability from April 2004 to March 2023 for the former Druid Inn, Pontblyddyn, Mold.