A Hove letting agency which closed suddenly, owing thousands of pounds, could now be forcibly struck out of existence.

Companies House has proposed axing Youngs Owen after it failed to file its annual returns, which were due in February.

The Argus has previously reported how the firm's director, Keith Youngs, abruptly closed his office in Western Road on April 3.

Landlords have complained they have not been passed rent collected on their behalf, while tenants have lost deposits and contractors are waiting to be paid for jobs.

A Companies House spokesman said if there were no challenges to the striking-out proposal, the firm could be abolished as a legal company by October.

Meanwhile, one of Youngs Owen's unhappy clients wants to set up a support group for people left out of pocket by the firm's collapse.

Tristan Farnworth, 36, of Tisbury Road, Hove, says he is owed £2,000 collected by Youngs Owen from tenants of his flat in First Avenue, Hove.

Other clients are claiming sums of up to £5,000 and Mr Farnworth believes they will have more chance of success if they unite.

When The Argus first reported the closure in April, Mr Youngs, of St John's Road, Hove, insisted the firm would soon be up and running again.

However, he later instructed a Sheffield-based insolvency firm to start liquidation proceedings, which now appear to have ground to a halt.

The Argus revealed last week how Wilson Field said it was unable to take the matter any further because Mr Youngs had not provided money and financial information it needed to arrange a creditors' meeting.

However, Mr Youngs' lawyers insisted he would provide the cash once his company assets had been unfrozen.

Otherwise, his former clients' only options may be to consider launching legal action.

Mr Farnworth said: "The whole situation is a complete mess."

The Argus has been told of claims totalling more than £60,000, though Youngs Owen has disputed the precise figures.

Many Youngs Owen clients have made statements to Sussex Police, whose CID team is investigating the firm.

Mr Youngs' lawyers said he expected his company assets to be unfrozen soon.

To contact Mr Farnworth, call 01273 711192 or email tristanfarnworth@aol.com