By Eve Noon

THE OWNER of a controversial double glazing company in Dundee confirmed last night that after an “extremely difficult” period he had been forced to cease trading.

St Andrews Glass’ sole operator spoke to The Courier last night following mounting concern from people who have paid thousands in deposits and staff who are due wages.

Simon Flynn said, “The company, over the last three years, has been a sizeable employer in the local community but unfortunately due to the current consumer credit squeeze this has led to a substantial fall in sales demand for our product.

“Combined with a continuing rise in costs of fuel and raw materials it has made continuing to trade extremely difficult.”

He said the company had made steps recently to address their money problems.

“We have spent the last two months talking to business consultants trying to restructure and put a rescue package together but unfortunately this has not been successful. During this period we did not make any staff redundant.

“I would like to apologise to anyone who has been affected by the closure of the business,” he said.

The Courier this week was contacted by a father whose son was due £90 in wages for shifts he worked at the premises last month.

David Barker’s son Jordon (15) knew there was a problem with the company after the cheque given to him by the company bounced.

When Mr Flynn was asked whether he could give any reassurance to customers who have paid thousands in deposits or staff who are due wages he said, “It depends on what the liquidators do when they come in.”

Coldside ward Councillor David Bowes became involved in the situation yesterday after visiting the site and being disgusted by the rubbish and pieces of shattered glass strewn all around the site, which is in a residential area with a primary school further down the road.

Last night, the company’s signs had been pulled from the Byron Street building and were lying among the debris.

Councillor Bowes said, “I walked all round the building and there is glass all over the place and pieces of wood—the danger is that kids could start playing in there and they could be badly hurt.”

He said he had been in touch with the cleansing department at the council and because the office at Byron Street was private property they would have to wait until they could make contact with the owner.

A consumer advice website has continued to receive comments from customers who say they have tried without success to contact the company over deposits they were doubtful they will now get back.

Meanwhile, an Arbroath glazing firm said it has come to the aid of customers left high and dry by St Andrews Glass.

Ian Watson, contract manager at Arbroath Glazing, contacted The Courier after we reported that the firm had run into difficulties.

Mr Watson said, “We have, in the last two weeks, managed to help three separate customers who contacted St Andrews Glass to carry out window and conservatory installations on their behalf.

“All of them had paid large deposits and we have come to an agreement with all three customers to carry out the contract at the contracted rate minus the deposits.”

He went on to say that a fourth customer contacted the company yesterday and it had agreed to finish the work St Andrews Glass started—but had not finished—for less than the amount originally contracted.