A Suffolk-based holiday lettings agency has closed down suddenly, leaving a number of people without accommodation and some hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

The affairs of Prime Holiday Lettings, in High Street, Aldeburgh, and owned by Sheila Moore, are now being conducted by insolvency firm Leigh Adams.

Chris Edwards, who had booked a stay at one of Prime's properties, said: 'We had just paid out after a demand with a threat of cancellation, over £1,500 for a three-night celebration for 17 members of my family for my wife's 50th birthday.

'My wife's 50th birthday celebrations are now in tatters.

'God knows how many other people are in a similar situation.'

The company was based in the building named The Suffolk, which is owned by City Gallery.

Devi Singh, who works at the gallery said: 'We received an email from Prime Lettings on March 7 stating that Sheila Moore has decided Prime Holiday Lettings will cease trading with immediate effect.

'They then proceeded to clear both offices out and had a removal van in place.

'As their landlords we do feel slightly let down as we think we have a good relationship with all our tenants.

'We don't know what went on and after not informing us of the situation and not officially giving us one month's notice we are also now owed one month's rent.

'In all honestly they have been very good tenants for 11 years and no one was more surprised to hear of their situation than us, particularly as both parties had agreed to renewing their lease for another two to three years.'

Ms Moore was unavailable for comment, and Leigh Adams said they were inundated with inquiries and could not comment at this time.