CHRISTCHURCH Emporium – which closed without warning earlier this week – has re-opened despite a dispute between its two directors.

Simon O'Sullivan, who is a 50-50 shareholder alongside Lesley-Ann Simmons in the company based on Bridge Street, said doors were closed for one day only on Thursday, April 30.

He said: "There was a technical difficulty on Thursday which prevented us from opening the business. However, the business was up and running as normal yesterday and will continue to do so."

Gemma Laurent from insolvency advisers Mark Liddle Partnership – which was hired by Ms Simmons following a “falling out” between directors – said Mr O’Sullivan had opened the business as normal, but that the two directors were still at “stalemate”.

The business brings together more than 100 stall holders in the former Mostyns curtain factory.

Eric Anderson, who runs Eric's Vintage Cards, one of the stands in the emporium, said: "I went down there on Friday morning and Christchurch Emporium is getting the support of the freeholder there, who is also the landlord. There is also overwhelming support from the traders.

"I think it is a good concept as they sell all kinds of things there, not just vintage things."

The Christchurch Emporium website has not been updated since the company opened on April 18 and the Facebook has been taken down.

The business opened, without planning permission in place, three weeks ago.