SHOP owners in Boscombe fear they are being pushed out of their units at the Royal Arcade after a managing agent imposed service charges trebling their outgoings overnight.

Traders at the historic building - some of whom have been there for several years - said they received letters in December from Ellis and Partners explaining service charges were being introduced and backdated to November but with no explanation what the service charges would pay for.

Since August there has been scaffolding erected to fix leaks in the roof - work which some traders claim has never even started.

One trader, who asked not to be identified, said she is "devastated" by the turn of events after her service charges trebled overnight.

She said she feels service charges have been issued "at random" after there was a disparity between traders' fees.

"I'm devastated because it's my business," she said. "I keep other people alive with their wages; they depend on me. It's been a struggle anyway with the recession and the arcade is constantly moving. We have tried to stabilise that.

"I can understand certain points of view but it doesn't mean it's easier for smaller businesses."

Another trader said he felt Ellis and Partners - the managing agent acting on behalf of the landlord - had "lied about" and "mismanaged" the situation which he felt was "full of skulduggery".

He said that after traders complained about the scaffolding the agent offered a marketing strategy to boost trade with no discussion of any costs involved.

The bill for the marketing, described as a few musicians and light-hearted entertainment that drew few people to the arcade, was £6,000.

"I don't know if they are inept or if there is something more sinister going on," he said.

"There was some argument that there should be some rent relief while the works were going on and they said no. Then they brought in this marketing."

He said at no point beforehand had any traders been advised of the costs involved and now must fork out for the large marketing bill.

Gallery-owner Bob Cosford said: "The whole point of taking this space was it's a beautiful arcade. But I'm leaving. I can't afford to pay anymore."

Graham Evans closed his business just before Christmas as a result of the dispute.

"Service charges have gone through the roof," he said. "Up to 10 shops could be leaving. The whole arcade could be devastated. I'm waiting to see if there's some ulterior motive. There is no clarity from the managing agents - it's an absolute mess."

The owner of Bellisima, Rachael McLaughlan, has bee at the arcade for 12 years. She has been asked to pay £110 per week on top of her weekly rent and insurance.

She said she feels traders are being pushed out.

"I think the arcade will be empty in the next six months," she said. "The Sovereign Centre have offered a lot of people shops."

When asked if she feels if she may move from her premises she replied: "I feel like I'm going to have to. You can move, it's not the end of the world but I've been here for 12 years - I'm well known here and it would be a nuisance."

Harry Seccombe, chair of the Boscombe and Pokesdown Neighbourhood Plan, said he was aware footfall had fallen in the arcade but that it was a lovely space with lots of potential. He said he was keen to discuss the future of the building with the managing partners as part of the neighbourhood plan.

TO BE USED AS AN ANCHOR

Jonathan Tizzard, director and Ellis and Partners, said: "We are working with the tenants of The Royal Arcade to improve the scheme and make this an even more special trading location. The PR and marketing events will continue this year using the excellent space within the mall areas. We are hoping to create a thriving local market area which is a great place for shop and café tenants and their customers.

"I believe Boscombe highly values The Royal Arcade as it is a very important building to the history of the area and one of the best shopping malls in the area. We are therefore keen to promote this busy location and ensure that this is a very busy place for the existing traders and to attract new traders. This means promoting the scheme to new tenants as well as ensuring that it is properly maintained and promoted.

"We discuss matters with the tenants at The Royal Arcade on a frequent basis and are working with them to improve the scheme for all and deal with any enquires they may have."