A FORMER international roller hockey player has called on a Colchester politician to do all he can to save Rollerworld from closure.

Faye Wilson, who once competed for England, first started skating at the legendary venue when she was just 12-years-old after being invited to a school party.

She went on to win one of only 20 places in the England Roller Hockey Squad at a World Championship event and credits Rollerworld with making her dream a reality.

The historic site is now set to shut on Wednesday evening after bringing joy to residents in the city and from around the country for more than three decades.

Gazette:

Faye, who threw her support behind Rollerworld when news of its closure first came to light, has now called on Colchester MP Will Quince to step in.

She said: “Sadly, Rollerworld will close this Wednesday forever. Is there anything that can be done in these final days? 

“If Will Quince was able to mediate a resolution for the carpark, the rent could then be negotiated.

“I would like to remind him this affects thousands of people and offers something unique to the city.”

READ MORE: 'Bittersweet' - Thousands of skaters take to Rollerworld rink days before closure

 

MP Will has now responded.

He said: "For coming up to two years, I have made a number of representations on behalf of Rollerworld with regard to the issues they are facing with Petchy Holdings.

"In September, I had a meeting with Jason and Anne Khan and posted a statement of support on Rollerworld’s website.

Gazette:

"However, I have not been asked, nor as an MP, would it be appropriate, for me to mediate in what is a legal and contractual issue between a landlord and tenant.

"I am saddened that, to date, a commercial agreement has been unsuccessful between the Rollerworld Management Team and their landlord.

"I am, of course, disappointed to see Rollerworld close and completely understand the impact this will have on many families.

READ MORE: 'It will be very tearful' - Rollerworld to close for good on Wednesday night

"I hope that even at this late stage, the landlord and tenant can reach an agreement, and Rollerworld can stay open.

"I encourage Petchy Holdings to engage with Rollerworld and find a way forward.

"I have a call scheduled with Petchy Holdings in the coming days where I will firmly press the need for them to engage with Rollerworld and find a way forward that enables Rollerworld to remain open."

Rollerworld owners 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.

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.