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COURTS (UK) - KCC TRADING STANDARDS ADVISE URGENT ACTION

Following the announcement that Courts (UK) Ltd has been placed in official receivership, Kent County Council Trading Standards has been inundated with calls from concerned consumers, many of whom have paid for furniture that has not yet been delivered.

According to the administrators, KPMG Corporate Recovery, all of the UK stores have been closed today (Wednesday 1 December) for a stock take. The aim is to re-open the stores as soon as is practical and KPMG are intending to write to customers who have paid deposits for goods not received.

However, KCC Trading Standards is urging customers to take action as soon as possible. Consumers who have paid deposits by credit card should urgently contact their credit card provider as the credit card company is equally liable and should be able to help. Customers who have paid by cash or cheque do not have this protection and are advised to go to the store in person and telephone the KPMG helpline number: 0870 950 1333.

Lead Member Paulina Stockell said: "Courts UK is a national company with stores throughout Kent and thus we are very concerned about the situation. Past experience suggests that it is likely that customers will lose money and not receive their goods. It is, however, important to take urgent action, either directly with the store, or with the credit card company."

For further advice, please contact the Trading Standards Helpline: 08457 585497 or visit the website: www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent