A CONSTRUCTION company - rescued by a management buyout two years ago - is facing a fresh battle with the taxman.

Bosses at Mercer Group, in Chapeltown, stepped in to save the business in August 2017, when the firm got into difficulties with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Underpayments from a number of clients caused the company to build up significant VAT and pay-as-you-earn arrears.

Thirty-eight positions were saved as a result of a takeover by Alison Mercer and David Mercer, to form Mercer Projects Ltd.

But now HMRC has issued a winding-up petition for that outfit, which trades from a converted former bank at Turton House, in Wellington Road.

Tax chiefs say they are taking the action as creditors of the fledgling venture - but have refused to confirm what the nature of the outstanding debt involves.

Supporters or objectors to the petition must contact HMRC's legal section before next Tuesday - the case will then be heard in the High Court in London the following day.

A HMRC spokesman said: "We cannot confirm what the nature of the proceedings are because of taxpayer confidentiality."

Mercer Projects was unavailable for comment as the Lancashire Telegraph went to press.

The former Mercer Brothers came into being in 2004, as a plastering business, with the company becoming D Mercer and Sons Ltd, moving to work across a number of trades, before the formation of the Mercer Group.

Bosses there also hit the headlines in 2017 when they came to the aid of a Rochdale family, following an appeal by the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Foundation, in Bolton.

Brain tumour victim Hashim Al-Alawi was rehomed in adapted ground floor accommodation free of charge courtesy of the firm.