An estate agents in Darwen, which appeared on Channel 5's Nightmare Tenants, is closed after being visited by bailiffs.

Commercial Rent Bailiffs Limited placed a secured goods notice on Ainsworth Lord Estates in Darwen on Wednesday, January 31.

Albanian Dee shared a photo of the notice to Facebook. It states that goods have been secured under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013.

Lancashire Telegraph: A notice, from Commercial Rent Bailiffs Limited, has been placed on Ainsworth Lord Estates in DarwenA notice, from Commercial Rent Bailiffs Limited, has been placed on Ainsworth Lord Estates in Darwen (Image: Albanian Dee)It also states that no unauthorised persons are allowed to enter the premises adding that any attempt to do so "will result in criminal proceedings being instigated against you".

In a statement on Facebook, Ainsworth Lord Estates said this is due to a dispute involving "a large utility bill” on a property it manages.

According to the company, the bills were put in the company’s name by a tenant. 

The office is temporarily closed but it is hoped that “the matter will be resolved in the next day or so”.

The business has assured tenants and clients that this will not impact them. It is business as usual at the Ainsworth Lord Estates in Blackburn.

In a statement issued by Ainsworth Lord Estates, a spokesperson said: “Due to a dispute with a large utility bill on a large commercial property we manage, the bills were put in our name by the tenant.

“This has resulted in us having a dispute with the enforcement officers this afternoon (January 31), who came to collect payment but due to the time of the day we weren’t able to satisfy their enquires.

Lancashire Telegraph: Co- founder and director of Ainsworth Lord Estates, Paul Ainsworth-Lord, outside the company's Darwen siteCo- founder and director of Ainsworth Lord Estates, Paul Ainsworth-Lord, outside the company's Darwen site (Image: NQ)

“As a result our office will be temporarily closed, however we are functioning as normal from our Blackburn Office in Mill Hill.

“We expect this matter to be resolved in the next day or so. As everyone knows trying to contact utility companies is not easy!

“All tenants and clients remain unaffected by this interruption and Its business as usual.

"Thanks for your patience and understanding.”

Ainsworth-Lord Estates has appeared on Channel 5’s Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords in the past.

Co- founder and director, Paul Ainsworth-Lord, let cameras into the letting agency world as part of a documentary into the life of a letting agency.

In 2021, the site became the target of vandalism after appearing on the show.

Ainsworth Lord Estates and Commercial Rent Bailiffs Limited have been approached for further comment.