A LONG-established double glazing company has stopped trading and said it will be appointing liquidators.

Family-owned Wimborne Windows apologised that it had been “unable to fulfil our customers’ expectations” , blaming a loss of skilled staff, the economic downturn and a wave of cancelled orders. 

The company, based at Arena Business Centre in Ferndown, said it would deliver items from its stock to customers where possible.

Customers emailing the company received a copy of a statement which was also posted on the business’s website.

It said: “We regret to advise due to our unforeseen loss of skilled staff coupled with the economic climate we are now closed .

“Due to the large amount of recent customer cancellations Wimborne Windows & Double Glazing Ltd t/a Wimborne Windows has now ceased trading and can only look to deliver items in stock to customers where we can, if this relates to your order someone will be in touch soon.

“If you have a booking date already confirmed prior to Christmas this will remain unchanged unless we contact you. In the coming weeks once a liquidator has been appointed details will be shared for any claims, if you paid for your order with a credit or debit card we must direct you to contact the provider at your soonest convenience to process a Section75 claim.

“If you wish to submit a claim to the liquidators please send a copy of your order form and covering email containing contact details to: Liquidation@wimbornewindows.co.uk.

“It is with sadness we find ourselves in this position and great regret we have been unable to fulfil our customers' expectations and we offer our sincere apologies, thank you.”

A Section 75 claim refers to the Consumer Credit Act, which allows customers to claim from their credit card companies if all or part of a purchase was made with a credit card.

Wimborne Windows carried a 3.3 score out of five on the review site Trustpilot, with 60 per cent of customers giving it a five-star rating but 30 per cent only giving it one star.

The company said on the site: “Established in 1986, Wimborne Windows remains a family owned and run business. We pride ourselves on a fantastic reputation which we have earned over many years due to our honest reliable service."