Heartlands firms could close due to rising bills

Jacky Blakeney is considering closing her shop for good after being charged VAT on top of her rent

Nearly six months after closing its doors, Heartlands mining heritage attraction remains shut as Cornwall Council looks for a new operator.

Businesses and residents at the Pool site said they were facing "fourfold" increases in standing charges for water and electricity.

Cornwall Council said the higher charges "accurately reflect energy costs."

The authority had no update on a new operator to run the site but hoped to find a new tenant for the cafe by the end of July.

Heartlands in Pool is now run by Cornwall Council

The attraction opened in 2012 after over £20m in lottery funding was used to regenerate a derelict mining area.

It was run by The Heartlands Trust before it ran into financial difficulty and closed in January.

The trust has now been wound up and the landowners Cornwall Council had taken over the running of the site.

Most of the attractions were shut but several businesses still trade there

'Dire'

Jacky Blakeney who runs the Magnetic Earth Studios shop which sells crystals and gemstones said: "Dire is the only word I can put on it."

Cornwall Council now charge her VAT on top of her rent and the standing costs for water and electricity have gone up.

She added that she was considering closing for good: "Footfall is dreadful... I don't think I've got any alternative really."

'Now it's going to cost a lot more'

There are several rental flats around the main square.

Resident David Collins said utility bills were lower under management from the Trust: "That was part and parcel to the reason of me wanting to live here and I thought life's going to cost less...but now it's going to cost a lot more

David Collins thought living at Heartlands would be cheaper

Cornwall council said: "The Council has not raised rents however, since we have been obliged to take on the running of the site from the Heartlands Trust, we have had to regularise the way tenants are asked to pay for their energy usage to accurately reflect energy costs.

"Charges are based on consumption from meter readings and prevailing utility rates/standing charges.

"For commercial tenants, again since the Council is now obliged to directly manage each individual lease, VAT has to be charged on their individual rents.

"Irrespective of the outcome of the search for a new operator or operators, the council remains committed to the site and its future.  

"We continue to maintain public access to the parks and gardens and carry out the important maintenance activities such as grass cutting, maintaining the grounds, repairing outdoor play equipment, emptying bins and undertaking essential maintenance to the buildings, to meet the needs of those visiting, living and working there"