A Wyre Forest estate agents which has been open for less than six months has had to close – after the death of a partner and the credit crunch.

Cooper Lavender, in Oxford Street, Kidderminster, closed its doors last Thursday.

A customer notice on the door from one of the partners, Julian Lavender, states the business has now stopped trading due to the sad death of his partner as well as the downturn in the property market. It states: “It is with regret that we inform you that the offices of Cooper Lavender will close with immediate effect.

“Due to the recent sudden death of our partner, Matthew, I have made the difficult decision to cease trading.

“Also with the continued downturn in the property market we feel this is the most sensible decision to make at this time.”

A worker at nearby Dixons estate agents said that the firm had been in business since January.

A worker at Connells estate agents next door said today: “These things do happen. It is hard at the moment.

“There are a lot of buyers and sellers out there but it’s the lenders we are having a problem with.

“It all started with Northern Rock but we do hope things will settle down.”

Removals firms in Worcestershire are suffering crippling losses caused by the impact of the global credit crisis and slowdown in the housing market.

Wyre Forest Removals, based in Rosemary Road, Kidderminster, was forced to lay off four staff in February as there is so little work.

Company owner Mark Parker said: “The trade usually starts to pick up in March and we would be doing by now about four or five days’ work a week.

“However, now we are only doing one or two days. I’ve had to lay off four people.”

Trade at NMS, at Harriers Trade Centre, Aggborough Stadium, is down about 50 per cent. Boss Neil Malek said: “Trade is very poor at the moment as people are not buying houses.”