Trading watchdogs have launched an investigation into a North Yorkshire conservatory business which left customers thousands of pounds out of pocket.

The Evening Press understands that North Yorkshire trading standards officers have searched the home of Direct Conservatories UK boss David Richardson at Crambeck Village, near Malton.

We reported earlier this month how Direct Conservatories UK, which was registered in York but traded from a Harrogate address, had suddenly ceased trading.

Customers from across the region, who had paid out deposits ranging from £800 to £3,500 for conservatories to be built in their gardens, stood to lose the lot.

Mr Richardson said in a statement to the Evening Press that the company had always intended installing conservatories which had been ordered, and that he "totally disagreed with any statement made to the contrary."

He said the company had ceased trading due to circumstances beyond his control, and upon advice taken. He declined to say how many conservatories it had ever built or whether the firm had gone into liquidation.

Trading standards officers said earlier this month they were collating complaints about the firm. Now they say they are investigating possible breaches of the Trades Descriptions Act.

Spokesman Richard Flinton said that at least 11 customers, mostly from Hull and East Yorkshire, Bradford, Sheffield and Darlington, had lodged complaints with his department.

"The complaints relate to possible offences under the Trades Descriptions Act and we are now investigating that." He declined to comment on whether a search had been conducted.

Mr Richardson was unavailable for comment.

mike.laycock@ycp.co.uk

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