The "vital" South Tyneside Community Laundry could be forced to shut after being hit by a staggering energy bill "bombshell" - and told it owes British Gas £4,000.
The laundry is run by a non-profit community interest company (CIC) operated by the family firm Poss Tub, which also runs the Poss Tub Laundry, Elite Dry Cleaners, Sew Exquisite, Bridal Path Wedding Studio in Hebburn. Despite agreeing a fixed tariff in January last year, owner Stuart Urwin was stunned to be told that his British Gas bill was to rise from £334 a month to £800 a month - and that he was £4,000 in arrears.
The hike is being blamed on incorrect estimates of the business's usage - but Stuart said the family had been told the Smart Meter had been fixed, and that manual meter readings were cancelled, and Stuart said this was clearly "totally out of our control".. He said there were eight jobs and a much-needed community service on the line.
