THE bosses of a popular tourist attraction in south Cumbria are due to appear in court accused of fraudulently trying to make a financial gain and arson after a fire at the premises.

A company and three people have been charged following an extensive investigation by detectives from Titan (North West Serious and Organised Crime Unit) and financial investigators from Cumbria Constabulary.

The case centres around a company named Cumbria World Limited of Moor Lane, Flookburgh, sited at the former Ducky’s Park Farm.

In July last year a fire at Cumbria World was reduced to nothing more than a smoke-blackened shell.

The damage to the fledgling business was catastrophic. Smoke damaged toys, melted plastic and charred remains was all that was left of £600,000 worth of investment.

In 2014, the business had been put up for sale with an asking price of £1.25m.

In the property details, estate agents Michael Hodgson described the business as having a turnover of just over £250,000 a year with "very healthy profit levels".

Cumbria World Limited was incorporated in September 2015 and first registered at an address in Somme Avenue, Flookburgh. Malcolm James Keith was the sole director at its inception.

According to information from Companies House, the company has four mortgages with Lancashire Mortgage Corporation Limited dating back to 2016 and relating to the purchase of the land and two loans with Loans 2 Go Limited.

The charges are as follows:

  • Cumbria World Limited, Moor Lane, Flookburgh, has been charged with two counts of Fraud by False Representation (Fraud Act 2006) – both charges are in connection with fraudulent disclosures made in order to make a financial gain.
  • Michael Anthony Milner, aged 48, of Field Broughton, Grange over Sands, has been charged with eight counts Fraud by False Representation (Fraud Act 2006) – all charges are in connection with fraudulent disclosures made in order to make a financial gain, one count of Breaching a Company Director’s Disqualification Order and Bankruptcy Restrictions Order and one count of Arson – in connection with a fire at Ducky’s Park Farm, Moor Lane, Flookburgh, on July 4.
  • Malcolm James Keith, aged 44, of Somme Avenue, Flookburgh, has been charged with two counts of Fraud by False Representation (Fraud Act 2006) – both charges are in connection with fraudulent disclosures made in order to make a financial gain and one count of Aiding and Abetting Michael Milner to contravene a Company Director’s Disqualification Order and Bankruptcy Restrictions Order.
  • Elizabeth Rose Egarr, aged 59, of Chantry Close, Bolton, has been charged with one count of Theft – in connection with over £200,000 stolen from Arthur Smiths Solicitors

The company and Keith are due to appear at Furness Magistrates' Court on September 5.

Milner will appear at Carlisle Crown Court on September 1.