A PROPERTY agent who dealt with landlords and tenants across Pendle has been declared bankrupt.

Graham Smith, who ran GWS Services, filed his own petition for bankruptcy at Bradford County Court yesterday.

The order was granted by a judge after reviewing a list of Mr Smith's debts and assets.

The order stops creditors from taking their own action against the businessman whose estate has been taken over by the Official Receiver.

Mr Smith, of Blakeley Crescent, Barnoldswick, dealt mainly in rented houses acting as a "go between" between private landlords and potential tenants.

One of his former tenants, who asked not to be named, said Mr Smith had showed prospective tenants around houses and arranged the lease in return for a fee. He also arranged a deposit and the first rent payment in advance, often amounting to several hundred pounds.

The first warning the tenant got that things were not right was when she received an unheaded letter, which was not signed, which said: "With reference to the affairs of GWS Services, a bankruptcy petition has been presented against the proprietor, Graham W Smith.

"Confirmation of this can be had from Bradford County Court and all inquiries should be made through the court."

Mr Smith was at the county court yesterday to file papers and other evidence to show he was insolvent. Afterwards a woman at his home said: "He doesn't want to say anything. He's not allowed."

A spokesman for the Official Receiver said: "If anyone has a claim against Mr Smith they should get in touch with us at 25 Queen Street, Leeds."

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