Van Hage Garden Centre has made an announcement following speculation that the business might be closing down and the company said these claims are untrue.
The company said that it had been informed on "numerous occasions" of rumours that the business "has been sold or merged". "These are untrue", it said.

A statement on the Van Hage website said: "We have been operating for over 60 years and can assure you that the board of directors and Van Hage Family fully intend to continue trading as an independent, privately owned business.

"In these highly competitive times we have been looking at options to extend and expand the facilities here and have been considering plans to secure a future investment programme. Potential new and exciting developments will be published shortly when plans are finalised and we are in a position to move forward."

The company also said that it experienced record sales in December, as 55,000 visitors took to the Van Hage Christmas ice rink.

In November last year, DIY Week's Garden Retail Leaders supplement magazine reported of a 13% decrease in sales at Van Hage in its 2011-2012 year.