'˜Use it or lose it' plea as Chesterfield bar shuts

The plea comes after the town's popular S41 Bar shut on New Year's Day, resulting in 12 job losses.

Dominic Stevens, manager of the Destination Chesterfield marketing group, said: "The news of S41 Bar closing is sad and we wish those affected by it well.

"This closure does remind us how important it is that we all make sure that we support what is on our doorstep."

He added: "Despite the disappointing news, Chesterfield’s night-time offering has improved significantly in recent years with a number of new food and drink businesses opening in the town centre in 2017, creating a more diverse offering which people are welcoming.

"More new bars and restaurants are also opening regularly."

Nick Carter, who managed the popular S41 Bar on St Mary's Gate, told the Derbyshire Times: "It's the end of an era - it's heartbreaking.

"We were paying just under £3,000 in business rates per month.

"We didn't want to close the bar but, quite frankly, we couldn't continue paying that amount of money.

"We're not the only Chesterfield business struggling as a result of extortionate business rates.

"Twelve people have lost their jobs which is devastating, especially at the start of the new year."

Business rates are set by central Government, not local councils, and bring in much-needed revenue.

Mr Carter said that the people of Chesterfield needed to support local businesses more.

"It's a case of use it - or lose it," he added.

Mr Carter said the premises was S41 Bar for around 10 years. Before that, it was Heathcotes bar and restaurant.

The building itself is Grade II-listed. According to Chesterfield Civic Society, the site was acquired by Gilbert Heathcote in 1614.

He probably built the present structure before his death in 1634. The Heathcote family was prominent in the business and corporate life of Chesterfield between the end of the 15th century and the 17th century.