Council set to write off £107k in rates as two businesses fail

THE collapse of a pub operator and manufacturer is forcing a council to write off more than £100,000.

- OWEN HUGHES

The Druid Inn in Pontblyddyn, Flintshire, closed its doors in November 2020 as many firms struggled in the pandemic.

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 it has been informed that there is no prospect of receiving a dividend from the liquidation and outstanding business rates are 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.

It has since been informed that there will be no dividend payment for unsecured creditors.