80% rent increase threatens future of Pets Pantry in Kent
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The Pets Pantry in Whitstable, Kent, could be forced to close because it can't afford to pay a £10,000 increase in its yearly rent.
Tony Rotherham-Bone, who has been the co-owner of Pets Pantry in Whitstable High Street for the past 21 years, said the shop had been notified by the landlord's agent that rents were going up by 80%.
"This is a ridiculous decision," Tony told Pet Trade Xtra. "There is no way we can afford to pay such a massive increase, and if we can't get it revoked we will have to close down.
"Our customers are furious, and can't believe that such action can be taken."
Tony said there had been an increase in the number of leading brand coffee shops opening in Whitstable High Street, and the landlord had taken the opportunity to double the rents in some cases.
"The big chains can probably afford high rents but it's having a devastating effect on small businesses like ourselves," said Tony. "These rent rises will see the death of Whitstable High Street because some shops will be forced to close."
But Tony isn't going to give up without a fight and is challenging the legaility of the rent increases in court. He's hopeful the issue will be resolved before the end of the year.
Is your business being affected by higher rent charges? Let us know by emailing neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk
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