A POPULAR Bury store faces an "extortionate" 300 per cent rent rise if it wants to remain in the town's Mill Gate centre.

But bosses of the Animal Magic pet store, which is being shut down because of redevelopment, say they can't afford to transfer elsewhere within the shopping complex.

They claim they were offered an existing, similar-sized unit in Mill Gate for FOUR times the rent Animal Magic is currently paying.

Now, the company is looking to secure alternative premises elsewhere in the town before its existing store at the corner of Minden Parade and The Mall closes by the March 17 deadline.

Animal Magic will shut to make way for the £3 million redevelopment of Minden Parade and the old fish and meat hall which is set to get under way later this year.

Mr Noel Aston, company retail management executive, said: "Obviously, we've known about this redevelopment for ten years. During Christmas week, we were told we would have to close by March 17. "We were offered an existing similar-style unit with the same square footage as our present store within the town centre. But the rent works out about four times the amount we're paying now.

"We would love to stay in Mill Gate, but can't afford to spend that sort of money. It's extortionate and it seems to me they would rather see a shop empty than lower the rent."

Mr Aston said Animal Magic, which has a network of ten stores in the region, was desperately seeking other premises in the town centre area.

The company has had a presence in Bury for around 30 years after initially setting up in the town's market.

Mr Aston said the business had an option on one of the new units planned for Minden Parade but no rental details or figures had emerged as yet.

Under the planned Minden Parade revamp, shops on one side of the thoroughfare will be affected by the work which includes covering and glazing the precinct which is currently open to the elements.

Mill Gate developers Westfield have submitted a planning application to Bury Council in connection with the Minden Parade work for the creation of two major shopping units and five smaller units at the site to replace the existing shops fronting the parade.

The major retail section will include a ground-floor store and, according to initial reports, a first floor to be occupied by JJB Sports. Access to the upper level would be via an escalator.

Mr Colin Nichol, manager of the Mill Gate centre, declined to comment on Animal Magic's claims and the planning application.