THE owners of three businesses at the same site as Congresbury’s Roundtrees Garden Centre are appealing for customers’ continued support when the centre closes.

Last week, the Mercury reported how Wheatfields Park Ltd, which owns the garden shop in Smallway, had gone into administration. As a result, the centre will shut following a closing down sale.

However, three other independent businesses at the location, a coffee shop, butterfly house and conservatory business, will remain open, with their owners keen to let customers know it is business as usual.

Heather Milnes, owner of Heather’s Coffee Shop which can now be accessed through Mendip Conservatories, said: “Although situated within the grounds of Roundtrees, the coffee shop is not linked in anyway to Wheatfields Park.

“Having been on this site for 10 years, offering quality food and friendly service, we have built up a loyal customer base.

“We look forward to, and thank, our customers in anticipation of their continued support.”

Mendip Conservatories managing director Kim Eyres said: “While occupying some of the same site as Roundtrees, Mendip Conservatories is a completely independent business and will continue to trade from its show site at the location.

“Rumours were around for sometime that Roundtrees were closing.

“At times, by association, this had a detrimental effect on our business.

“Whatever happens with the Roundtrees site in terms of new tenants, we look forward to a very prosperous 2012.”

John Van Der Plank, owner of Butterflies and More, has operated a butterfly house at the Smallway site for two years.

He said: “We are concerned about the closure as we may have to pay the business rates for the whole site.

“This could leave us all in jeopardy.”

The butterfly house is closed during the winter but will reopen at the end of March.