Last updated at 12:52, Monday, 13 October 2008

WORK has been stopped on a development of apartments in Millom.

The firm, which is registered as being based at Montgomery Way, Carlisle, went into compulsory liquidation in May, casting doubt on the future of the development.

Finedale was granted permission to build the flats four years ago, but the property has been left untouched for around six months, with scaffolding being up for more than three years.

Kay McMahon, of Barrow-based Speedier Scaffolding, said the scaffolding surrounding the building was being taken down this week.

Mrs McMahon added: “We’ve not had any payment for some time and although they did pay some of the bill, they’ve not paid a lot.”

Another firm registered at the same address as Finedale – Briarwood Homes (Cumbria) Ltd – went into compulsory liquidation in June, after the government applied for a court order because of unpaid tax bills to HM Revenue and Customs.

Briarwood director, David Simpson, of Beckside, The Green, said: “Briarwood Homes was wound up after problems between ourselves and the highways department, but they (HM Revenue and Customs) have already taken £80,000 towards the debt.

“I used to be director of Finedale but I’m not anymore.”

Tony Gravel, representing SHM, is the official receiver for Finedale.

He said SHM plans to sell the flats as they are.

David Shaw, of Totality Solutions, is the insolvency practitioner dealing with any creditors who may have a claim against Briarwood Homes.

He can be contacted on 0870 4958695.

The directors of Finedale are Steven Watkinson, of Spring Gardens, Grizebeck, Colin Mason, of Monument Way, Ulverston, Paul Walters, from Cleveland, and Gordon Wiggins, of Skipton.

As well as David Simpson, other directors of Briarwood Homes include Colin Mason, Gordon Wiggins and accountant Leslie David Ackerley, who lived at Foxcroft, Haverigg, but who moved to Chester a year ago.

All assets of both firms will be sold off to pay outstanding revenue taxes and anything remaining will be divided up between creditors, which include the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Assets of Briarwood are stated on Companies House records as 7 Ruskin Close, Millom, and land off Lowther Road, Millom.

First published at 12:16, Monday, 13 October 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk