TWO THRIVING businesses are fighting back after the firm responsible for winding down the mortgage book of Bradford & Bingley gave them notice to quit their rented premises.

The Climbing Barn and car repair firm, Savi Autocentre, are both tenants on the Ryshworth Works site off Keighley Road, Crossflatts, on land behind B&B's office block.

Both businesses had fully expected their original five-year leases, agreed in 2009, to be repeated, believing they could stay in place as long as Government-funded UK Asset Resolution (UKAR), which now runs B&B, continued to collect mortgage repayments at its Crossflatts base.

But, in March, both businesses were abruptly told to leave as the buildings and adjoining land were to be sold.

Ruth Beers, who owns the Climbing Barn with husband John, said the letter to quit left her in shock after investing £200,000 of family money in the centre, which is visited by 112 local schools and many other youth and disabled groups.

"We were stunned and sent into panic - I didn't sleep for a month," said mum-of-two Mrs Beers.

"My husband told B&B of his dream to create a climbing wall here two and a half years ago and was verbally assured nothing would change while outstanding mortgages were still being processed - which was then estimated to be at least 15 years.

"And so we remortgaged our house and borrowed from family which has all added up to £200,000 - but the barn has done well, we have 4,100 members and is making a profit.

"But we're still in the red and couldn't afford to move anywhere else right now - we need at least another three years" said Mrs Beers, 44.

Nick Papathanasiou opened Savi Autocentre five years ago and employs seven staff at the well-equipped modern garage.

“I can’t understand why they so urgently need to sell of this small parcel of land when the remainder of their site will not be sold off for at least another ten years."

Both Mrs Beers and Mr Papathanasiou agreed that B&B was totally within its legal right to cancel the tenancy agreement, which did not contain a guaranteed right to re-negotiate any terms.

And they have now been granted 12 months to continue trading following their desperate pleas.

Shipley MP Philip Davies said: "There is no need for them to do this - it's unacceptable to do this to valuable businesses which are assets to the community."

A UKAR spokesman said: "We understand the impact of this decision on both Savi and The Barn and accordingly we have offered them assistance to help them relocate.

"We shared our intentions with both businesses six months ago and have offered to extend both leases by another year, meaning we have given them18 months in which to find new premises. However, our primary obligation is to maximise value for taxpayers and we believe the sale of these property interests is the best way to achieve this.”