TRADING Standards bosses have launched an investigation into the sudden closure of a Preston printing firm after claims by customers that they have lost thousands of pounds.

Seven companies from East Lancashire have complained to the county's consumer watchdogs after claims that the Preston printing firm has disappeared with thousands of pouFURIOUS company they signed up to a deal with Preston-based Advantage Image and Design Ltd which offered to design, print and distribute 50,000 leaflets in the area.

But three months on, the companies have heard from printers in Bradford that only half the leaflets have been paid for and they believe many have been dumped rather than distributed.

A spokeswoman for Print Plus, of Bradford, added: "Some of the companies in Blackburn paid to have 50,000 leaflets printed. Advantage asked us to print 25,000 leaflets and they still owe us £2,500."

Now angry customers are beseiging Advantage's

Stephen Little, manager of Britannia Car Sales, Blackburn, said: "We were charged £450 plus VAT for the leaflets, but it looks like they've taken advantage of us.

"I'm told by other people involved that they can't get in touch with this company. I'm not very happy about it." Brendan Vinter, owner of B J K Pet Supplies, said: "I've got shops in Blackburn, Mill Hill and Great Harwood and none of my staff or my families have had leaflets, so they've clearly not been delivered."

Gilbert Starbuck, East Lancashire secretary of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Some of our members have rung us up and we will be investigating what's going on.

"This company advertises in the Yellow Pages and it's sad that people have spent their hard earned money to get nowhere."

A spokesman for Lancashire Trading Standards said: "

Advantage was "unavailable" at the telephone number listed in the Yellow Pages. A mobile number said to belong to the company's manager rang but was not answered.

A spokesman for Lancashire Trading Standards said officers were investigating.

Advantage was today "unavailable" at the telephone number listed in the Yellow Pages. A mobile number said to belong to the company's manager rang, but was not answered.

When the Lancashire Evening Telegraph visited the company in Ribbleton Lane, Preston, a "To Let" sign had been placed in the window. The landlord, who declined to give her name, said she was also owed money by the firm.

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