3:15 pm, February 17, 2014
POLICE and Trading Standards are looking for a Fareham car dealer following the abrupt closure of two of his premises.
Stan Rudgley, of Fort Wallington Car Sales, has disappeared without trace after the closure of his site in the Hampshire town two weeks ago.
The company had moved there from its former base of operations – Woolston Car Supermarket on Hazel Road, Southampton – following scores of complaints from customers over defective cars and bouncing refund cheques.
Now, with Rudgley’s disappearance, out-of-pocket customers have been left with no recourse, other than advice from Trading Standards.
Hampshire Police has also confirmed that is investigating Rudgely and his business practices. According to Companies House, the official address for both Fort Wallington Car Sales and Woolston Car Supermarket is now a PO box in Manchester.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, one disgruntled customer, Dave Critchney, who had been sold a Ford Transit Connect, said: “I’m just sick because I am just trying to get my money back.
‘It has been causing me a lot of stress. To be honest I have no idea what to do next. Whatever Trading Standards are doing they need to be doing it better.’
As reported on Car Dealer last month, customers confronted staff at Fort Wallington Car Sales over issues including faulty vehicles and cheques that had allegedly bounced.
Anyone with information regarding Stan Rudgely or his business are urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
