An estate agency business in County Durham has been closed down by a regulatory body to “protect the public”.
Bennett Richmond Solicitors, in Consett, which also offers an estate agency service, has been closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), with a notice being displayed in the firm’s window confirming its closure.
Clients have been told they can contact the intervention agent Gordons LLP, in Bradford, who are holding the firm’s files.
The statement on the firm’s widow on Front Street stating: “On June 14, 2023 the Solicitors Regulation Authority intervened into Bennett Richmond Solicitors. The solicitors firm is now closed.
“All practice papers, files and monies held by the firm at the date of intervention are now held in the possession of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.”
A statement on Gordons LLP states: “Bennett Richmond Solicitors has been closed down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This is known as an intervention. We are dealing with the closure for the SRA. All files for ongoing matters handled by Bennett Richmond Solicitors are in our possession.
“The intervention only relates to Bennett Richmond Solicitors.
“We understand Bennett Richmond Estate Agents ceased trading prior to the intervention.
“All clients with an ongoing matter for whom we are holding a file will be notified and can tell us where to send their file. In the meantime, clients should instruct a new solicitor. We are not acting for you in place of Bennett Richmond Solicitors.
“It may be that newly instructed solicitors can make progress for you without your file but, if not, they can get in touch with us and we will do all we can to help.
“If you have sent us a file request form, this will be dealt with as soon as possible. We aim to send files to where you want them sent within five working days of receipt. We appreciate your patience. If your request is urgent please let us know and we will do all we can to help.”
A spokesperson for the SRA said: “We have closed this firm down to protect the public.”
