COUPLES who lost thousands of pounds after a pub and wedding venue closed have been warned they are unlikely to get their cash back.

The company which was running the Cherry Tree pub, Rochford, until it closed suddenly earlier this month, is expected to go into liquidation today.

Those owed money can demand it back from director Darren Chittock at a meeting today, but people who have arranged parties at the venue, in Stambridge Road, have been warned they will have to line up behind banks and other creditors. Those who didn’t use a credit card to book the venue are most at risk of losing cash.

Bill Bufton, of insolvency practitioner Antony Batty, which is expected to be appointed liquidator for the company at the meeting, said: “If they paid a deposit on their credit card, they may get it back from their credit card company based on the fact they paid for goods and services they never received.

“If they didn’t pay on a credit card, they will have to rank alongside other creditors of the company. The company is insolvent, so by definition it doesn’t have enough money to go around.”

A report on the Cherry Tree’s finances and the reasons for its failure will be presented at the meeting.

Stephen Evans, from Antony Batty, is then expected to be appointed to handle the liquidation.

Darrell Peters, 35, of Southend, who was due to hold his wedding reception at the pub on Saturday, May 30, paid a £300 deposit for the booking in cash, which he now looks unlikely to get back. Other couples say they are owed as much as £1,500.

Mr Peters, who will now hold his reception at the Brandy Hole, in Hullbridge, said: “I’m so upset. It’s not a lot for some people, but we don’t have a lot of money and we have saved for years for this wedding. For him to take it like that, I’m absolutely livid. I want it back, but I have to accept I’ve probably lost it.”

Bride-to-be Sam Koppit, whose parents paid more than £500 in cash to book a reception at the pub, said she had spoken to the landlord to confirm the number of guests in the week commencing Monday, May 4.

But Antony Batty sent a notice to the London Gazette, publicising the insolvency meeting with creditors, on Friday, May 1.

Anyone who can prove they are owed money by the firm can attend the meeting at Antony Batty & Company, Swan House, 9 Queens Road, Brentwood, at 3.15pm.