Political row over unpaid rates at Cannock's Bar Sport
An MP has attacked the leader of Cannock Chase Council amid a storm over the non-payment of more than £40,000 worth of business rates.
A compulsory winding-up order has been issued against The Premier Suite Cannock Ltd.
Cannock Chase Council says the company owns Bar Sport, in High Green, and is the ratepayer - which is refuted by bosses at the venue who say the bar is owned by Bar Sport Property Ltd.
Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley has criticised council leader George Adamson for pursuing the boss of the venue, asking if it is because Bar Sport Property boss, Scott Murray, is a 'Tory businessman'.
He claimed it had been a 'politically motivated vindictive witch hunt against a prominent businessman'.
But Councillor Adamson has refuted these remarks, claiming: "There's nothing political about it.
"That is what is due to the people of Cannock.
"This £40,000 could be used to support services in Cannock."
Mr Burley has also accused the authority of taking the action while alleging the council 'writes off literally hundreds of thousands of pounds in unpaid council tax by council tenants every year'.
The Conservative politician said: "Why do they not even bother pursing them for the far higher amounts of unpaid tax? Is it because they are Labour supporters and Scott Murray is a Tory businessman?
"This is no more than a politically motivated vindictive witch hunt against a prominent businessman who incidentally has run jobs fairs for free to help get local people back into work, and business awards evenings to celebrate the local community."
But in response, Councillor Adamson said: "It would be the same for any other person or business that doesn't pay rates.
"We collect about 98 per cent of our council tax."
Cannock Chase Council said the compulsory winding-up order means The Premier Suite Cannock Ltd must now cease trading and the Insolvency Service will ensure this happens, securing any assets that the company has.
The council said it had no record of Bar Sport Property Ltd owning the venue.
Head of finance at Cannock Chase Council Bob Kean said it would be the decision of the Insolvency Service whether Bar Sport closes but may be done if it was necessary to secure the assets.
The Insolvency Service has confirmed that The Premier Suite Cannock Ltd was now in liquidation but could not say if it owned Bar Sport.
A list of the company's assets is being compiled.
