End of an era as Barrow entertainment complex enters insolvency proceedings

Cumbria Karting Limited, which ran the indoor go-kart track and tenpin bowling alley in James Freel Close, is undergoing insolvency proceedings.

A notice in the London Gazette , the official public record, states a meeting of the creditors of the business was held at the offices of Begbies Traynor, specialist insolvency practitioners, in Lancaster on Wednesday, January 27.

A liquidator has been appointed to deal with the case, and the business remains closed and, in the case of the bowling alley, padlocked shut.

The news of the company's liquidation has filtered through to the community much to the disappointment of families in the area.

Ian Dalton, 67, was a regular tenpin player at Cumbria Bowling and said the business had met the same fate as many in the industry.

Mr Dalton, of Amphitrite Street, Walney, said: "It's sad. We had a feeling something might happen.

"It wasn't in the most ideal place but at least it was somewhere to go.

"From what I saw there was always plenty of families in there. They are going to miss it.

"Kids like for for parties. They were a few scout groups and youth clubs who used it.

"It's up and down. All throughout the country bowling alleys are closing yet will open again. It might last two or three years before it closes again and someone else takes it over."

Cumbria Karting was set up in 2010 by Jonathan Chapman and the £250,000 bowling alley next door opened in 2012.

When the Evening Mail went to print the Cumbria Karting Facebook page had not been updated since December 22, with several posts dating back to January 2 to the page asking why nobody was answering the telephone and speculating the business had gone "bust".

One comment apparently from a former employee at Cumbria Karting in reply said: "Permanently closed now guys. I was a track marshal."

Another comment read: "What a shame you guys have shut down for good. Me and my nephews and nieces had many happy times with you."