A LABOUR councillor says a mental breakdown is behind the liquidation of his business, which has allegedly left many people out of pocket and fearing the loss of thousands of pounds.

Paddy Short, who represents the Peel ward at Hyndburn Council, told the Lancashire Telegraph that he voluntarily liquidated his Pure Style Bathrooms company on Hyndburn Road, Accrington, due to a serious and sudden mental breakdown.

Pure used to be based on Bolton Road, Darwen, but outgrew its premises after two years of successful trading, and moved to its current site in 2019.

He said: "I have had to liquidate the company due to having a serious mental breakdown. This has happened suddenly, although due to the current business climate, there have been ongoing pressures over the last six months.

"My partner took me away for a few days to try and help my mental state, but unfortunately when I got back, I had a complete mental health breakdown."

There had been allegations made by some Pure Style clients that Mr Short had taken money in the knowledge that the business was set to 'go under', offering NHS discounts as an incentive to pay by bankers automated clearing system (BACS).

This is an allegation that Mr Short strongly denies - and he says work is ongoing to ensure clients who have paid money into the business receive a refund.

He added: "We have always offered NHS discounts over the last five years, signing up to the Blue Light scheme, along with our long standing work within the community over this period.

"All details of customer creditors have been passed to the liquidators, who it is hoped will receive their money back in due course.

"This has been an extremely difficult time for me and my family and I continue to be receiving treatment from Mental Health and Crises.

"I apologise to anyone affected by my illness."