Cavendish House could go dark if an unpaid electricity bill is not settled by next month.

Bosses at the prominent Cheltenham business site owed £411,428 to British Gas as of September 2025.

They have now been told the electricity will be shut off by November 6 if the cash is not paid.

The town centre property is home to more than 25 pop-up traders who will all be out of pocket if doors close.

Yesterday (Oct 9) they were handed copies of a letter from British Gas staff, threatening legal action if the debt is not resolved.

The traders are not liable for the money but it appears to be a final attempt by the utility firm to settle the matter.

The letter said: "We've tried to contact you on several occasions about the outstanding debt on your account which remains unpaid. This could lead to further legal action or disconnection if you do not contact us."

One trader, who did not want to be named, said: "I spoke to British Gas and they said they have already applied for a warrant to go in and shut off the electricity. They have given them 28 days from Oct 9 to settle the debt.

"They handed us the letters as they said the tenant has never responded to their bills."

A massive question mark still hangs over who is actually running the Cheltenham shopping hub.

Stanbury Estates Ltd began renting the property from owners Canada Life Asset Management in March 2024.

Last month an investigation by Punchline-Gloucester.com found debt of at least £849,874 had been racked up  for the building.

Copies of three unpaid bills addressed to Stanbury Estates showed it owed £413,475 in business rates as of August 20, 2025, £411,428 to British Gas as of September 2025 and £24,971 to NPower/EON as of September 8, 2025.

However, Canada Life then revealed Stanubry was no longer involved and a tenancy agreement with a new company had been signed in March 2025 It did not name the company and has so far refused to answer any other questions about the property.

It appears neither the tenant or landlord fulfilled a legal requirement to inform utility companies of the change as bills are still being issued in Stanbury's name.

Traders said they were also not informed and are still receiving rental receipts in Stanbury's name and dealing with the same bosses.

They fear the enterprise could collapse around them at any moment and at least one has decided to pack up shop and leave.

Another trader Pam Thomas, who owns Joyce Brooks Lingerie, said: "I am asked at least three times a week, when are you closing? If these rumours keep circulating then all they do is create uncertainty for store holders about whether to invest in more stock."

She said the traders had worked hard to make the pop-up a success and closing the building would damage them and the Promenade as a whole.

"We are not responsible for unpaid bills and should not be the victims of them," she added.

"But, again, we are faced with uncertainty - please someone create some stability."

Cllr Rowena Hay, Lib Dem leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, has not responded to our request for a comment.

The council said it is not investigating any of the issues and it cannot comment on the status of business rates for the property.

Cllr Ashleigh Davies, Green Party group leader, said: "Cavendish House is a key building in Cheltenham Town centre, and residents are keen to see it being kept open and accessible.

"Canada Life should be working in partnership with CBC to establish permanent tenancy within the building. It is imperative that the business rates owed to CBC are collected, to contribute to the continued provision of local services."

Punchline has asked Canada Life, British Gas and EON for a comment on the current situation.

Punchline says: "Questions need to be answered urgently by Canada Life and the new tenant of Cavendish House and how this situation was allowed to arise.

"The council also needs to be honest about whether it will allow up to £827,000 of taxpayers money to simply go unpaid.

"That is a debt which would simply be untenable for most business owners in Gloucestershire."