Estate agents’ anger over rival’s leaflet

TWO estate agents in Shaw were left fuming when a rival firm distributed leaflets claiming they had both closed down.

Ryder and Dutton and Alan Kirkhams — both in Market Street — were hit by the leaflets from national chain Your Move, which also has a base in Shaw.

It is thought 35 leaflets were sent to Shaw homes displaying sale signs. As many as seven estate agents could be affected.

Richard Powell, a director at Ryder and Dutton, said: “A customer asked us if we were shutting down. The Shaw branch clearly hasn’t shut down: it is very much open and right opposite the Your Move office.

“I contacted Your Move’s regional manager and he has apologised, but I don’t think that is sufficient.

“They said they have apologised and they see that as an end to it but I don’t see why they should get away with this, just because they are a big firm. I won’t just let it drop.”

This was the second time Ryders has been hit by a false claim. In 2009 gazumped Delph homeowner Martin Frostick faxed bogus bankruptcy petitions to 765 companies claiming the company was going bust. Frostick was convicted of false representation and given a suspended nine month jail sentence and other penalties.

Mr Powell said: “What happened in the past has made us particularly sensitive - so we take it very seriously when someone falsely claims we have shut down.”

At Kirkhams, Shaw office manager Vicky Carlton said the company was considering legal action.

“The Your Move manager claimed it was a simple mistake but it has taken us a lot of time to contact those affected and reassure them we are not shutting down. Word spreads fast and false statements can severely affect a business.”

A spokesperson for Your Move said: “Letters were delivered to 35 homes based on one ‘branch closed’ template. They were distributed in error alongside similar-looking letters which didn’t make the claim. There was no malicious intent. Once again we would like sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused”.

The company says it won’t accept instructions from any of the homeowners who received the false information.