Ensign trucks missing
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Steve McQueen • Chelmsford Police were called in by receivers at Robson Rhodes last week after it emerged that a fleet of seven trucks and two forklifts, operated by Basildon-based operator Ensign Transport, disappeared on the day the company collapsed.
Drivers' jobs were lost after an appeal on local radio by joint receivers Vivian Bairstow and Neil Cooper failed to secure the return of the fleet, which had a book value of 1:35,000.
The receiver is taking legal action against one of the company's former subcontractors, who is also a creditor and whom allegedly removed all the vehicles the day the company crashed. Ensign crashed on 25 February along with parent ACP Holdings, which had bases at both Basildon and Feldixstowe. Ensign was bought last Thursday by former managing director Martyn Hollands, who had a 15% stake in the original company.
It continues to trade from Basildon with the help of around 10 subcontractors.
A response to the radio station by the alleged "buyer" of the fleet, claimed that a deal was agreed in good faith on 22 February. It is understood they have since been resold, but without the cor rect documentation which remains in the hands of the receivers.
Ensign had a turnover of £700,000 last year delivering imported electrical items around the UK. The remaining parts of ACP will be sold separately.