Customers in limbo after closure

7:41pm Thursday 15th May 2008

MYSTERY surrounds a west Wiltshire furniture company which has closed leaving customers without their goods.

Concerns have been raised about the status of Southleigh Furniture Company in Crockerton following complaints from customers who have had trouble contacting the company.

The business is registered as active by Companies House, an information exchange service that registers the affairs of businesses.

Sean Haines is the director of Southleigh Furniture Company and also Lifestyle Furniture Company in Salisbury. A member of staff for Lifestyle confirmed that the Salisbury-based business is currently in administration. He was unable to comment on whether Southleigh was still operating.

The Wiltshire Times was unable to contact Mr Haines at the time of going to press, or the phone line is permanently engaged at Southleigh.

Denise Roberts bought a wardrobe from the Crockerton firm for £200 in February, but it is yet to be delivered.

Mrs Roberts, who lives in Shepton Mallet, said: "No one knows what's going on. We only found out by calling the garden centre next door "They said that a lot of people have been contacting them. We tried to get a wardrobe. We paid in full, which is the annoying bit. We have bought quite a lot from them in the past."

If you have any concerns or need advice on how to get your money back, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.