Poundland branch shuts suddenly as council says it 'had no choice' - as bosses deny doing anything wrong

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A Poundland store has suddenly closed after its premises were seized by a council over ‘non-payment’ of rent – a claim store bosses deny.

The branch, on Victoria Square, Crompton Place, Bolton, was closed on Tuesday morning (December 17). Between the closed shutters a ‘take notice’ sign had been placed by landlord Bolton council.

The notice read: “To whom it may concern. “These premises have today been seized on the authority of the landlord. “Notice is hereby served and forfeiture of lease effected.” Bemused shoppers could be seen reading the sign on Tuesday.

The town hall said it took action due to outstanding rent. A spokesman said: “As landlords, the council has had no choice but to act in order to retrieve the long-standing amount due on a property that is, ultimately, owned by Bolton council taxpayers. “The tenant operates successfully from a number of premises across the UK and we are confident that the non-payment is due to an administrative oversight.