MYSTERY surrounds the closure of a Fylde coast solicitors' office with no warning to clients.
Customers turned up at the offices of John Gibbs and Co in Brighton Avenue, Cleveleys, earlier this week to find the doors locked and a notice posted asking them to contact solicitors in Manchester.
The sudden closure has caused panic among some c
lients, worried about personal documents held by the firm.
Blanche Cunliffe, 82, from Anchorsholme, is one of those who has been trying to contact the firm.
She said: "It's a disgrace.
"There was no warning.
"I found out from a handyman who does work for me about the company.
"I've tried ringing the number given, but it just goes to a machine.
"My deeds are with John Gibbs, so is my will.
"I'm worried about those documents.
"What is happening to them.
"It is no good having solicitors in Manchester.
"I'm in my 80s, it is too far to go."
Dave Molloy of Westbourne Road, Cleveleys, is another worried client.
He said: "I've been down to the offices.
"There were a few people there.
"Everyone is worried.
"There was nothing to suggest this was going to happen.
"I have my deeds and will with the firm.
"I had taken them out and given them to the building society, but a few weeks ago gave them back to the solicitors.
"Nobody said anything about closing.
"If I had any idea something like this was going to happen, I wouldn't have done it.
"You ring the number they have given and there is nobody there."
The Gazette tried to call John Gibbs and Co offices in Cleveleys and Blackpool but was unable to contact anyone from the firm. It is understood Manchester law firm Laytons Solicitors is dealing with John Gibbs and Co clients.Nobody from the firm was available for comment.
The full article contains 314 words and appears in Blackpool Gazette newspaper.
