Carlisle business owner says Laser Quest has been 'left to rot'

Laura Waters, owner of Total Enigma and Laser Quest in Carlisle, has said she is struggling to save Laser Quest’s fixtures and sets before Paton House, where it is based, is demolished.

Planning permission has been granted by Carlisle City Council to demolish Paton House but the property of Laura’s entertainment business Laser Quest is still in the building.

She had been offered “logistical support” by her landlord to remove the sets and other belongings but they have since pulled back. Laura added that she has received no support or funding for the move.

Laura is under huge pressure to prepare the new base in Hillcrest Building whilst also trying to facilitate a move of belongings from the first Laser Quest site.

“I’m working 18 to 22 hour days. I have got somewhere to move to, I’ve got a new premises but we’ve got absolutely no way of moving. In the last 18 months, Total Enigma and Laser Quest have had a total of six weeks of trade. We’re expected to leave so they can demolish our building.”

She added that a number of local and national delivery companies have been contacted but none are able to move their belongings from the old sight.

Paton House is set to be demolished in late Spring, Carlisle City Council has confirmed. Laura feels that the business is leaving its home after giving a lot to the city.

“It’s brought tourism to the city from all over the UK. You only have to look on our Facebook page to see how many customers are absolutely devastated.”

The planning application states: “The Council’s Heritage Officer has been consulted on the application. He understands that the proposed demolition is necessary as part of the wider development of the Citadels site, which would sustain the long term occupancy of the listed buildings. On the understanding that a development scheme for the site follows on shortly, he considers that the application is compatible with planning policies.”