Battle begins on Burntwood Go Bananas debt
Go Bananas play centre has gone into liquidation with more than 50 out of pocket parents launching legal action in a bid to claw back more than £2,500 in deposits which they are owed.
Those affected by the sudden closure of the play centre in Burntwood have contacted a solicitor and have asked to be registered as creditors, when money is claimed from the failed business.
Owner Tim Hall confirmed today that the children's indoor centre in Smiths Close has gone into liquidation, meaning outstanding deposits and staff wages will now be dealt with by an outside firm.
A total of 14 members of staff are also owed one month's pay.
The centre closed unexpectedly almost a month ago, on January 16, due to a unpaid rent dispute between the owner and landlord, London & Cambridge Properties (LCP).
Parents had each paid a £50 deposit for parties which will no longer go ahead, including devastated parents who had celebrations booked the day the centre shut.
Mr Hall said: "I can confirm the company has gone into liquidation, because we couldn't relocate in a short period of time and the landlord wouldn't allow anyone to do a new lease on the unit. The liquidators will be dealing with the refunds and I believe they will contact everyone directly."
He added: "The majority are £50 deposits. All refunds, staff wages and event tickets are now in the hands of the liquidators."
Angry mother of three Pippa Lewitt set up a Facebook group for parents who had splashed out for parties. She said: "We have advised those who paid by credit or debit card to request a charge back from their banks. Sadly because the deposit amount is below £100 there is no cover through credit card insurance. A couple of customers have successfully obtained their money back through this method. For those who paid in cash, I have a list of 55 names with amounts and contacted Tim Hall's accountants, Philip Barnes, to register our interest as creditors."
Mr Hall said equipment, which was advertised on Ebay with a £40,000 starting bid, has been sold and the unit is now empty.
He said: "It's a shame the landlord wouldn't let someone to take over. I had 26 potential buyers. It is a shame for Burntwood and for the 14 staff. They are brilliant staff and I miss them. They deserve the best as they worked very hard each day. It was like a big family."
