HUNDREDS of customers are facing a fight to receive pre-ordered goods after a furniture company went into administration this week.

Dickinsons Furnishers closed its stores in Hexham, Alnwick and Carlisle two weeks ago, claiming it was focusing on its commercial and contracting divisions, along with the launch of a new online store.

But an announcement on Dickinsons website on Monday afternoon said the company had gone into administration, with all customers referred to administrators RSM UK.

RSM said it had been inundated with hundreds of calls from customers, but were yet to be formally appointed as administrators.

The shock news came as many people were still awaiting deliveries of pre-ordered goods, following a high profile closing down sale and auction at the Hexham store on Beaumont Street.

They included Hexham's Carmen Liegis, who ordered a single mattress for a bed.

She said: "I called Dickinsons last week to arrange a delivery time, but was told to phone back because the person I needed to speak to was on holiday.

"But I haven't been able to get through and I don't know what's going to happen. I've spoken to several customers and we all feel let down."

It has emerged that since September, four separate companies have been incorporated at Companies House with former Dickinsons chief executive, Steve Traviss, as a director.

They are registered to the Dickinsons Furnishers Limited head office address at Tynecastle House in Prudhoe and an address in Lanchester, County Durham.

DFL Retail Holdings Limited, DFL Contracting Holdings Limited and FAB Furnishers Holdings Limited were all created on September 14, just a week before plans to close the three high street stores were announced.

A fourth company, Inside Contracts Ltd, also lists former managing director, John Spreadbury, as a director and was incorporated on December 5.

Hexham businessman Conrad Dickinson sold the trading arm of his long-established family firm to the current owners in 2001, but remained landlord of shops and warehouse space on Beaumont Street, Gilesgate and at Bridge End in Hexham, and on Fenkle Street in Alnwick.

"As landlords, we are going to effectively end up with four empty properties dropped in our lap eight years earlier than expected, and also end up as a major creditor," said Mr Dickinson.

"Although it has nothing whatsoever to do with us we will be requesting that the administrator does his level best to ensure that no customers are disadvantaged by this enforced closure."

RSM UK is expected to be formally appointed as administrators early next week.

Those with outstanding orders were being advised to email details to restructuring.newcastle@rsmuk.com