A FURNITURE firm ordered to quit the Brunel Centre is accused of leaving customers thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Centre management say they acted against Mister Woodz, which traded at 17 The Plaza, following complaints from customers, some of whom claimed to have lost from £400 to £1,400.

The proprietor of the shop was listed as Christopher Baines, who failed to respond to a telephone request for comment.

However, a man identifying himself as David Rawson, who said he owned the company, emailed the Adver. He said Mr Baines was a franchisee and that refunds would be given.

Brunel Centre manager Tony Wilkes said: “My staff and I really feel huge sympathy for the customers who have paid deposits to Mister Woodz and have not received the furniture they ordered.

“When we realised there was a pattern of complaints we revoked Mr Baines’s licence immediately and contacted Wiltshire Police, who advised us that complaints should be directed to Consumer Direct, who refer it to Trading Standards.

“We then got in touch with all the people who contacted us and expressed our dismay that one of our tenants seemed to have failed to deliver to our customers, whom we value very much, and gave them as much advice as we could.

“Once again, we are genuinely sorry that this trader appears to have let down our customers.”

Mr Wilkes said 30 people had complained, and those who specified money lost named sums from £400 to £1,400.

One customer, who asked not to be named said: “My wife and I visited the shop in December.

“A salesman said he could get a table made to our specifications, and that all he would need was a 50 per cent deposit – £83.

“He said he’d need cash because the card machine wasn’t working. I thought, ‘fair enough’, because it was a shop in the Brunel Centre and it seemed legitimate.”

With the deposit paid, no table was delivered, and the customer said requests for a refund were met with text messages from Mr Baines promising money that had so far failed to materialise.

Mr Rawson said that the Swindon operation was in administration.

“I have spoken to Mr Baines who assures me all outstanding customers have now had a refund sent out,” he said.

Swindon Trading Standards confirmed receiving complaints about Mister Woodz, and the police said they had recorded one complaint. Complaints should be made to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.