A BUILDING contractor has hit back at rumours that his business is closing down.

Peter Price, 66 (pictured), set up his self-named carpentry and plastering business 35 years ago. Since then it has grown to employ about 18 staff.

He said he was shocked when about two months ago his staff started hearing rumours that he was retiring and the business would be shutting down.

‘I haven’t got a clue where they started,’ he said.

‘We have heard about them mainly from people we have been working for.’