Clients shocked as West firm BLB Solicitors ceases trading

Clients say they have been left "stunned" after a solicitors firm announced its sudden closure after the sale of the business fell through at short notice. BLB Solicitors, based in Trowbridge in Wiltshire, confirmed in a letter sent to some clients that it will cease trading from midday on Thursday after being placed into administration. Client Rob Clark, who is in the process of buying a house in Trowbridge, said he was "absolutely gutted", adding "I haven't got a clue at the moment" how it will affect the sale. The BBC has approached the firm for comment. BLB Solicitors has offices in Bath, Bristol, Bradford-on-Avon, Swindon, Almondsbury and Trowbridge, and employs more than 40 lawyers across its six locations. A letter sent by the firm to clients on Tuesday read: "We would strongly recommend that you instruct another firm of solicitors to continue to act on your behalf." Clark said he has tried to contact the firm but his calls have been sent to voicemail. "It's the lack of information from them," he said. "It wasn't even them that contacted me, it was my agent. "I'm very surprised, I wouldn't believe a company that big could go under so quickly." According to Companies House, a