A troubled Carlisle department store has closed as it emerged that council bosses are seeking to have the company wound up over an unpaid £125,000 rates bill.

Customers who tried to get into the Castle Street Paris store on Saturday were turned away. Workmen could be seen removing stock and shelving.

Several companies who have provided concession goods were retrieving them amid continuing concerns over staff not being paid.

A notice stuck to the main entrance stated simply: “This store is closed.”

Insiders who have been working at Paris say staff have been told not to go in today.

Staff also said there were no working tills, while much of the ground floor could be seen yesterday to be in disarray.

It has been confirmed that Carlisle City Council has applied to have the store’s parent company, Gold Edge Trading Limited, wound up. A hearing is to be held at the High Court in London on September 28.

The store has been dogged by a controversy, much of it emanating from former staff who say they are owed thousands in unpaid pages.

Paris owner Rebecca Menaged has insisted the wages owed will eventually be paid and she has disputed the council’s rates demand.

Former worker Julie Weymouth, 33, from Currock was last week due to begin a tribunal claim for £745 in wages and holiday pay that she says she is owed but the hearing was adjourned.

She said: “Rebecca Menaged hasn’t responded to the claim at all.

“Because I didn’t get that money I am still behind with my rent but fortunately I have an understanding landlord.

“If the store did close, it would be the best thing that could happen.

“Nobody deserves not to be paid the money they are owed for their work.”

Several attempts were made to speak to Rebecca Menaged but she did not answer.