Tales of Robin Hood set to close after city's 'no' to bail-out
The Maid Marian Way tourist attraction ran up further rent arrears over Christmas and is losing about £60,000 a year.
Chief executive Ian Walker says between 20 and 50 staff face redundancy within weeks, including Robin Hood and Maid Marian themselves.
Mr Walker said: "We have had a large increase in rent which should have been paid on Christmas Day.
"We need the evil Sheriff of Nottingham to help Robin Hood for the first time in 1,000 years. Otherwise we will have to close the doors within weeks, maybe sooner."
A city council spokesperson said: "The Tales of Robin Hood is a city visitor attraction dedicated to Nottingham's legendary hero.
"However, in present circumstances it is unfortunately not possible for us to commit council taxpayers' money to directly support this privately-owned business.
The council says it had been working with the owners to try and sort the financial problems out.
Tesco rents the premises to The Tales of Robin Hood and pays the lease to real estate company Kandahar.
Mr Walker says the trouble started after the rent was put up from about £29,000 a year to £95,000.
Tesco corporate affairs manager Tony Fletcher said the attraction started to fall into rent arrears in 2007 and the supermarket has increased the rent to clear what is owed.
He said: "We owe a six figure sum with the landlord. We will probably end up writing the debt off."
Mr Walker says the attraction was just about breaking even before the rent rise.
The Tales of Robin Hood became a charity in September 2008, meaning it can receive some tax exemptions and benefit from donations.
Mr Walker has been visiting other heritage sites, museums and attractions for advice and support.
"I still believe Tesco would support the project," he said.
"I might be wrong but while they have been commercial in their negotiations, they have not been aggressive. I think they are saddened.
"The attraction broke even throughout the year when we were paying rent of about £30,000, without depreciation, but it needs more visitors, new attractions and we need to grab new audiences that we are not getting at the moment.
"With a contribution from the local authority and backing from them, we would be supported in funding bids and we would be able to work with other attractions nationally."
Discussions with The Royal Armouries in Leeds could lead to a collection being exhibited in Nottingham but only with vital refurbishment.
In a bid to muster support, people can visit The Tales of Robin Hood until Sunday for free and sign a petition to keep it open.
Since the Evening Post broke the news of its problems, visitors have increased by 500% over the weekend and takings in the shop and cafe have rocketed to record levels, said Mr Walker.
A city council spokesperson said: "As Robin Hood is at the heart of Nottingham's cultural identity and civic pride, the city council is committed to promoting Robin Hood as the brand for Nottingham.
"It will be working with other partners in the year ahead to ensure that Robin Hood has a much higher profile in the life of the city."
michael.greenwell@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
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