Estate agency ceases trading

Oldham estate agent and lettings agency Cousins has gone into liquidation.

Cousins and Co (NW) Limited - an independent agency for more than 40 years - was voluntarily wound up by company director Andrew Chadwick on February 17. The company was based in Failsworth and had offices in Oldham, Shaw and Lees.

It follows several articles in the Chronicle detailing how the company failed to pay landlords who used them to manage properties. Last August the Chronicle reported that one client had been left more than £10,000 out of pocket.

The Chronicle was later contacted by several other residents who claimed they were also owed money.

A new company has since been set up in the firm’s previous premises.

Cousins England is in Failsworth and Oldham - a separate business with no ties to the liquidated company. It will not offer property management services

Andrew Chadwick is an employee of the new business.