Cake victims still without a crumb

Upset . . . bride-to-be Samantha Brown with her daughter, Olivia and her mother Susan Hilton

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Worried families caught in the aftermath of the closure of an upmarket bakers are demanding their money is returned.

Problems began when Cake Heaven suddenly ceased trading from its premises at Oldham Road, Lydgate, leaving planned celebrations up in the air.

And now one concerned bride-to-be has revealed that her £400 cake had been paid for by her pensioner in-laws as a wedding present.

Samantha Brown, a 26-year-old business manager is to marry David Harris (26) on August 1 at a ceremony attended by 80 guests.

Samantha, who lives with her daughter, Olivia, three, in Hollins, said: “I spoke to Cake Heaven a couple of weeks ago and asked them if they could supply a cake stand.

“I had my daughter’s Christening and birthday cakes made by them previously — and everything was fine.

“My mother has visited the shop which is empty and the phone is not working. Worse still is David’s parents paid for the wedding cake as a special gift.

“I have since received a call from a woman connected to the business who says she will repay the money in a few weeks time. But it has been very upsetting.”

Her mother, Susan Hilton said: “We’ve been planning the wedding for 18 months.

“We don’t need this kind of worry so close to my daughter’s big day. It’s been so stressful but hopefully it’s sorted out now.”

Alternative

Meanwhile, Carrbrook mother, Samantha Guy (40) is making alternative arrangements after paying Cake Heaven £86 for a cake for the Christening of her eight-months-old son, Max.

Sam, a company area manager, said: “I had a message left on my phone from a woman from Cake Heaven who said the shop had closed and I would be getting a refund.

“She was calling from a telephone number that was blocked. My son Max is being Christened a week on Sunday. I have no means of reaching them but have now made arrangements to have the cake made in Mossley. ”

Meantime, Cake Flair of George Street, Oldham, are dealing with people affected by Cake Heaven’s closure.

Owner Steve Booth, said: “We are offering anyone who has paid for their cake at Cake Heaven a discount if we take on the job.

“Our concern is other people who have ordered cakes may not realise the business is closed.”

His business partner, Sophie Booth, said: “I have lost half a stone with worry about people who have come to us for help. We are doing all we can — we don’t want to see people’s special day ruined.”

Problems came to light when a bride, due to marry at the White Hart at Lydgate, discovered Cake Heaven had closed just days before her wedding. Hotel staff found her another baker.

A spokeswoman for Cake Heaven apologised to customers and said: “I will be returning Mrs Guy’s money as soon as possible. Everyone will get their money back.

“I am still contacting clients and assuring them they will be refunded. I am doing this alone — I do not have a team to help me.

“I have asked for my clients’ patience as this will be dealt with as soon as possible given my position and other pressing matters concerning my family.”