The directors of Clearwater Hydrotherapy have broken their silence about the closure which has left many of their clients out of pocket.
Directors Leanne and Chris Morris cite difficult dealings with tradespeople and issues with previous staff for the company’s financial woes, culminating in a major investment pulling out and leaving the future uncertain.
In an email to former staff, seen by The Courier, the directors said: “Despite our attempts to drive the company forward, our landlord has now pulled the plug on any options that we had and we are left with no alternative but to cease trading.
“We appreciate you have wages outstanding but as we have ceased trading we are unable to carry out any transactions as we have a duty as company directors.
“We do expect a backlash from customers.”
Customers of Clearwater Hydrotherapy, based on Marketgait, were informed on Tuesday night that the business had shut its doors for good.
As well as a warm water pool, it also offered float beds and a hydro jet massage bed.
The pool ran popular parent and toddler swimming classes.
Customers had booked and paid for classes and fear they may not get their money back.
The couple state they will make efforts to organise alternative arrangements for people who have already paid.
The email stated: “Chris and Leanne are, however, continuing to seek out alternative ways to deliver what customers have paid for and as all customers’ details are retained in a secure data base they will be able to contact people in future with further information, if alternative ways are an option.”
Distraught staff have also spoken of their worry following the sudden closure.
Charlie Ritchie, 16, described how he has not heard from his former employers since the company closed its doors.
And a former secretary said the firm appeared to be getting back on track before the collapse.
He said: “They’ve left me high and dry, and I’ve got bills to pay.
“I’m more annoyed with how it was done, because we’ve been left in the lurch and had no communication with anyone.
“It’s just that you can’t treat staff like that, there’s been no accountability. It’s the fault of the builders, or the old unreliable staff, or a deal falling through they won’t take blame themselves.”
Graham Nicoll, a student working with the firm, is worried he may never see the wages he was using to stay afloat as a student.
The 22-year-old said: “I’d been working with Clearwater for nine months to help me pay my way through university.
“It was brilliant in the beginning and I really enjoyed working with the youngsters, but things gradually began to go wrong.
“Staff started coming and going, pay started to come late and finally we were promised wages that I now know will never be paid.
“I need the money to pay for my accommodation, but I know that staff are due thousands overall.”