Businesses in the Heartlands are experiencing lower traffic and skyrocketing bills.

Almost six months after closing its doors, the Heartlands mining heritage attraction remains closed as Cornwall Council searches for a new operator.

Businesses and residents on the Pool site said they were facing “four-fold” increases in permanent water and electricity rates.

Cornwall Council said the higher rates “accurately reflect energy costs”.

The authority had no update on a new operator to run the site, but hoped to find a new tenant for the cafe by the end of July.

It was run by The Heartlands Trust before it ran into financial difficulties and closed in January.

The trust has now been wound up and landowners Cornwall Council have taken over the management of the site.

Most of the attractions were closed, but several commercial businesses still there

Jacky Blakeney, who runs Magnetic Earth Studios, which sells crystals and gemstones, said: “Dire is the only word I can put it to.”

Cornwall Council now charges VAT on top of her rent and ongoing water and electricity costs have increased.

She added that she was considering closing for good: “Footfall is awful… I don’t think I have any alternative really.”

There are several apartments for rent around the main square.

Resident David Collins said utility bills were lower under the Trust: “That was part of why I wanted to live here and I thought living would cost less… but now it will a lot more.

Cornwall Council said: “However, the Council has not raised the rents as we have been forced to take over the management of the site from the Heartlands Trust, we have had to regularize how tenants are asked to pay for energy use for to reflect accurately. energy costs.

“Charges are based on consumption from meter readings and utility charges/permanent charges.

“For commercial tenants, again, as the Council is now required to manage each individual tenancy directly, VAT must be charged on their individual tenancies.

“Regardless of the outcome of the search for a new operator or operators, the council remains committed to the site and its future.

“We continue to maintain public access to parks and gardens and carry out important maintenance activities such as lawn cutting, grounds maintenance, outdoor play equipment repairs, bin emptying and essential building maintenance to meet the needs of those who visit . , living and working there”