CUSTOMERS of a Huddersfield shop at the centre of a police investigation have been promised they will be paid money owed to them.

The pledge came after Bargain Brides, in Old Wakefield Road, Moldgreen, was taken over by new management.

The shop specialises in selling second-hand wedding dresses and passing on a share of the cash to the owners.

Police were called in by customers who gathered at the shop on Saturday, September 6, saying they had not received their money.

Now, shop owner Angela Ackland, also known as Angela McKenzie, has revealed that new managers who took over last Saturday, had promised to pay the cash.

She said: "I am very distressed that a small number of people have not been paid for resale dresses that they had left with me at the shop.

"The business has been going through a difficult time, and I am suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis in my legs and high blood pressure.

"It has been difficult for me to keep the shop open at all hours and look after the business in a proper manner."

Mrs Ackland added: "I have been completely honest and truthful with all complainants. But it has been difficult for me to recompense them because the business has been in such a parlous state.

"I have reached the decision to retire from the business because it is now much too demanding of me.

"Bargain Brides is under new management and I will perform a consultative role.

"The new manager has promised me that all dress owners who are owed money will be paid in full. All other dress owners will be contacted personally, to tell them the status of their property."

Three women who took their dresses to the shop in 1998 were among those who said they were still empty-handed.

Another said she was still waiting for cash, despite her wedding gown being sold six months ago for £250.

Mrs Ackland said: " I very much regret the complainants were not understanding enough to appreciate the difficulties of my personal situation.

"But the new manager has undertaken to contact everyone and pay them in full within the next seven days. `'

Mrs Ackland said the new manager aimed to repair any ill-will that may have been caused by the situation.

She added: "Immediate problems will be dealt with promptly, efficiently and professionally. In the longer term, Bargain Brides will again be the ideal venue for planning a value-for-money special day."

A woman has been bailed by police until November 5 pending inquiries.

Related stories