Closed bride shop refund unlikely

Lisa Clarkson said she was "beside herself" following the shop closure

Brides-to-be who were left without dresses when a bridal shop closed suddenly are unlikely to get any money back, liquidators have said.

Angry customers confronted Arvella Brides owner Lisa Clarkson at a creditors meeting on Monday.

The shop in High Street, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, closed last month with debts calculated at about £375,000.

Those who paid by cash, cheque or debit card were warned any refund was unlikely. Mrs Clarkson did not comment.

Bride-to-be Hayley Lockey, said: "She [Mrs Clarkson] had to have a minder with her at the meeting, which tells you how we all feel.

Threats received

"Everyone is fuming but there is nothing we can do."

People who paid by credit cards or those with insurance policies will be able to claim their money back, liquidator Nick Peat said.

He added: "It was more or less what I expected with a room full of angry brides.

"I have now got to go through the records and find out where all the money has gone."

Owner Lisa Clarkson, from Warsash, told the BBC last month that she has received threats since closing the store, blaming market conditions.

She apologised to customers affected but claimed problems with her suppliers and the current market forced the shop to shut.