Skydome issued with winding up order

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THE SKYDOME has been threatened with closure over an alleged unpaid tax bill.

Bosses were issued with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The Arena Group, which owns Planet Ice - also issued with the order - has played down the issue.

Directors insisted it would be resolved 'in the next few days', although a court date has been set aside for next month.

Winding-up orders are one of the most serious actions that can be taken against companies who have not paid creditors. It could ultimately lead to a business being closed down.

In a statement released to the Observer, the Arena Group's board of directors said: "The decision of HMRC to follow up their action against the Arena Group UK Limited is scheduled to be heard in February where it will go before the courts for their opinion.

"The action taken is with regards to the disputed assessment of unpaid taxes.

"The board of the Arena Group UK Ltd dispute the assessment and action taken by HMRC and the likelihood is that this will be resolved within the next few days.

"This action has no effect or impact on either the Planet Ice brand or its day to day operation.

"Planet Ice will continue to welcome patrons at all ice rinks in its current portfolio."

Last year the Skydome building was built by property group Mansford, which pledged to invest £25million into the complex.

A spokesman distanced the group from the allegations: "The Skydome referred to bears no relation to the underlying ownership of the Skydome property and consequently has nothing to do with Mansford’s ownership of the scheme."