Agency closure arrest is made

A man has been arrested in connection with the sudden closure of an estate and letting agency in the Black Country, police said today.

The man, aged 65 from Wombourne, was arrested and bailed pending further enquiries into the closure of Payne's Rentals and Sales which had branches in High Street, Bilston, and Stone Street in Dudley.

Landlords left in the lurch when the business folded in August, feared they could be left thousands of pounds out of pocket when the business closed.

They said at the time they had heard nothing about deposits and rent that they claimed they were owed since Payne's shut down.

Owner Richard Payne told the Express & Star he was unable to continue the business through ill-health.

Diabetic Mr Payne said he had run the business for around 11 years.

"I am bitterly disappointed."

Mr Payne said the business was part of the UK Association of Letting Agents so all deposits would therefore be secure.