Thousands of pounds have been paid to a short let and holiday accommodation agency in Brighton which appears to have closed in mysterious circumstances and which is now not responding to enquiries.

Brighton Holiday Homes is reported by the local media in the town to have ceased trading some days ago but still advertises short term lets for contractors and business visitors to the town, and has dozens of holiday homes still listed for sale on its website. 

The site includes details of an autumn sale for those booking in the near future, and lists a team of 16 pictured individuals who work for the company.

However, attempts by Letting Agent Today to get hold of the company have come to nothing: the landline number advertised on the website immediately goes to a voicemail suggesting an alternative mobile number; if that is called, this too immediately drops to voicemail. An email from LAT to the company has gone unanswered.

The Brighton Argus says some Brighton Holiday Homes customers have been left “heartbroken” because they have paid money to the company for holidays they have now been told they cannot take – and with no prospect of their payments being returned.

The Argus says an email sent to customers some days ago says: “It is with great regret that due to the challenging economic conditions, Brighton Holiday Homes has ceased trading with immediate effect. You will not be able to access the property you have booked so please do not travel to Brighton unless you have alternative accommodation”.

The Argus article has quotes from a number of customers whose holidays have been ruined, despite their having paid between £1,000 and £4,500; homeowners who listed their properties on the site are also reported by the paper to be out of pocket.

You can see the story here.