A Goole stevedoring company forced to close because of astronomic backdated ports rates could have been saved had the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) communicated more quickly that the firm had won its appeal for a reduced payment, it was claimed this week.
Directors of Scotline Terminal Goole Ltd closed the company after receiving a summons for immediate payment of £200,000 out of a total payment of £701,000 several weeks ago.
Ten staff were made redundant, landlord Associated British Ports revoked the company’s licence and a creditors’ meeting was held on March 15 at which a liquidator was appointed.
At the meeting it was disclosed that the VOA appeal decision had just been received – with the company winning a massive reduction from £701,000 to £115,000.
Company director Peter Millatt said had the decision been communicated earlier the stevedoring company could have been saved.
“It is just ridiculous,” he said. “There was no need for this to happen. We lodged our appeal on January 28, 2009 and it wasn’t until January 20 this year that they came to the site and heard the appeal. We were told verbally that we would have a substantial reduction but had nothing in writing.
“Then, when we were told we had to pay £200,000 immediately we had to make a quick decision. A lot of other port users are facing the same thing. ”
Shipping line Scotline Ltd is unaffected by the closure.
