THE closure of a treasured roller-skating rink will have a “gargantuanly deleterious effect” on the vulnerable youngsters who use it, fear its owners.

Rollerworld, a staple of Colchester for 32 years, will welcome skaters for one final time on Wednesday evening before shutting for good after more than three decades.

Jason and Anne Khan, who have run the legendary venue since November 2018, say they have been priced out of being able to continue with the business.

Gazette:

Landlords Petchey Holdings are understood to be increasing the rent on the building to £250,000 per year, which the couple simply cannot afford.

The skating community has since rallied round the historic rink, which on Saturday saw more than 1,500 people take to the hardwood flooring - believe to be the highest one-day attendance in its history.

Before the night came to an end, Jason and Anne are understood to have given a speech, thanking staff, volunteers, DJs and customers.

Former owner Andy Star is also said to have made a special guest appearance at the venue, where he took to the decks one final time.

Anne said: “It was a sold out evening and a very bitter sweet day for us and Sunday ended with a round of applause - people just didn’t want to leave.

“It is going to be a very hard week and Wednesday will be very tearful.”

The couple has voiced serious concerns over the extent to which Rollerworld’s closure will have a detrimental impact on young people in the city.

Gazette:

Jason added: “Many are vulnerable and are more than just simply devastated by this - some have nowhere to turn to as their lives are being ripped from them.

“It's unbelievably difficult seeing the emotion and this is having a gargantuanly deleterious effect on so, so many.

“Rollerworld has provided a safe, healthy and meaningful environment for them and a sanctuary they have not found anywhere else - they will have nowhere to go.

“It is of serious concern for my wife and I, certainly after many thousands came and it became clear help is needed for a lot of these folks.”

Bosses at Petchey Holdings previously told the Gazette they had been in negotiations with Rollerworld for more than two years.

They also said they had remained open for negotiations and previously offered terms for a new lease which they consider to be “below the market rate.”

Rollerworld will close at 11pm on Wednesday.