A shop that supports local crafters faces an uncertain future after a “50-year rule” set by a council could force it to close. Unity , a shop based in Peterborough ’s Queensgate shopping centre, launched two years ago and sells products sold by local crafters.

The shop is part of Up the Garden Bath, a community interest company launched by Dave Poulton and Kez Hayes-Palmer in 2020. The shop was recently assessed by Peterborough City Council to see whether it could grant charity business rate relief, a scheme that reduces the amount of business rate a charity will pay.

However, the council said the shop did not qualify for this rate relief. As a result, the business now needs to raise £20,000, which is what the business rates would have covered. If they don’t, it could force the sho

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