TRADING standards launched an investigation into a conservatory company after eight residents complained they had been left in limbo.

But the business people behind Darwen-based company 'Conservatories for All Seasons' today pledged to turn the business around.

And Angela Perry, the former owner of the company, told customers: "I am not running away."

Today, Chris Allen, head of Trading Standards at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the problems highlighted the fact people should not pay money up front for conservatories.

Customers said they had paid thousands of pounds to 'Conservatories for All Seasons' but delays in getting the conservatories finished had left them stressed and angry.

There have been eight complaints so far in East Lancashire about the company, which is now run by Ian Carpenter from a unit in Hollins Grove Mill in Percival Street, Darwen. The company was set-up 13 months ago by Greater Manchester businesswoman Angela Perry and she said it had had 63 customers.

Mrs Perry said that since the financial problems at the company which created the delays began earlier this year she had dropped out of managing the company and instead concentrated on sales.

She said: "I am here to try and tie up any areas where I have failed. I haven't run away and shirked responsibility. Ninety per cent of our customers have been satisfied."

Mr Carpenter, a Bolton builder, who has taken over the company, said problems that have been highlighted by customers were being settled amicably.

The company's deals propose that customers pay 30 per cent of the price of the conservatory as a deposit, then 30 per cent on base completion, 30 per cent after frames and roof are built and then 10 per cent on final completion.

Disabled Marian Cruise, of Richmond Park, Darwen, said she had paid £5,600 but had been frustrated by numerous delays.

She said paid a deposit of £2,200 on February 23, work started on March 5 and after the completion of the base and wall she paid a second cheque of £2,200 on March 11.

She said work began on the frames and roof on March 29 but they were not completed. Trading Standards advised Marian not to pay the full amount in her next instalment.

Marian, 48, who suffers from chronic back pain, said: "I was told it would be finished in three weeks but is still not done."

Brenda Burns, in The Greenwood, Oakdale, paid a £1,800 deposit but got another contractor after a series of delays.

She said she was still waiting to be reimbursed for some of her costs and has now asked the other contractor to finish the conservatory -- at an additional cost of £4,300.

The company confirmed it was aware of both complaints and was working to resolve them.

Mr Allen said: "We have been to see the company and we believe they are making strides to complete the work for which they have taken deposits or they are refunding the money so that people can get the work finished elsewhere.

"If there are any other complaints we will look into them."