There are fears for the future of a city lettings agency after it closed its doors to customers last week.

Concerned landlords and tenants have contacted The Argus over the last few days to say that Hove-based Direct Lettings owes them thousands in deposits and rent.

Workers were last seen inside their Western Road office on Friday where they were reportedly “removing files”.

When The Argus visited the premises yesterday, the office lights were on but nobody was inside.

Five computers remained, with telephones flashing with awaiting voicemails.

A message taped to the front door read: “Apologies, this office is temporarily closed.

“For any urgent accounts queries please write to: Umpleby Accountancy...”

Speaking to The Argus yesterday, Ian Umpleby from the Haywards Heath-based accountants, distanced himself from the company.

He said: “I have just been assigned as an external accountant.

“I can’t really say any more.”

An employee of a nearby business in Western Road, who did not want to be named, said: “It has all happened very quickly.

“There were people in and out on Friday removing files and then a bit of movement on Saturday. But we haven’t heard anything.

“Police were knocking on the door earlier this week.”

A Companies House notice states that the business is to be “dissolved” at the end of three months unless “cause be shown to the contrary”.

However, managing director Peter Leonard denied claims that the agency was closing.

Speaking outside his gated Rottingdean home yesterday, he said that his company was simply going through a period of “restructuring”.

Refusing to elaborate on the nature of the “restructuring”, he added: “I don’t want anything going in the press.”

Returning home in his white Audi TT, he added: “There are a lot of rumours but they are from other rival companies.

“It is a very competitive market, it’s always like that.

“We are currently restructuring the company and hope to be open again next week.

“There are contact details on the front door for anyone wanting more information.”

Mr Leonard is listed as a director of nine companies on the Company Check website.

Along with Direct Lettings, he also runs Alpha Residential Limited, P Leonard Properties and R Gumbrell Properties Limited.

He is also listed as having been appointed at one stage by 16 dissolved companies.