Well-known pet store – Seapets in Essex – has closed suddenly amid concerns over cash and goods owed to customers.The store at Tollgate, Stanway, had its doors locked up this week with notices in the windows to tell customers of the closure.
One notice stated that no livestock had been left in the building, saying all animals had been rehomed.
However, a number of customers are unhappy with the developments, and have left message on Seapets’ Facebook page, alleging they are owed money or items.
Adam Bateson wrote: “Scammed again....paid out £45 online for equipment from Seapets. Payment went out of account, no items delivered and suddenly the company ceases to exist...wonderful.”
Andrew Ingram said: “They wouldn’t honour a two-year guarantee on a £1,000 pound fish tank, disgusting.”
And Bobbie Aburrow commented: “They owe me £40 on an order they did not deliver. Any ideas please how I can get my money back?”
Another post claimed that Pets at Home were moving into the premises.
The local Colchester Council said its Environmental Health team carried out a recent visit of Seapets, to carry out a routine inspection of the premises.
Seapets’ website www.seapets.co.uk has not been operating this week and its phone line is not being answered.
The business is owned by Jerry and Pauline Arnold. According to records at Companies House, their daughter Tamsin Hegarty resigned from the business in March. The records also state that the company accounts are overdue.
