The owners of Escape Entertainment have stated they are “devastated, shocked, disappointed and let down” by Chorley Council’s decision to pre-emptively close the venue while negotiations were ongoing over its future.

The statement came after the council claimed it was forced to intervene when the company fell into “significant rent arrears” on the Market Walk venue, with councillors already “exploring options for new tenants.”

“We have only taken back possession of the property as a last resort,” said a council spokesperson. “The owners of Escape Entertainment have fallen into significant rent arrears and despite our efforts in trying to work with the company over a long period to find a way forward, this has ultimately proved unsuccessful.”

However, in a statement on the Escape Entertainment Facebook page, the owners said “we feel forced and compelled to respond publicly.”

“Their comment of a last resort is untrue as we have been in negotiations with Chorley Council to find a positive solution to our rent debt (left over from the pandemic/cost of living crisis.) The deadline given by Chorley Council for us to work towards was 11 February, 2025.”

Chorley Council was approached for comment, but is yet to respond.