A Leominster pawnbroker is seeking the lifting of an 'unfair' bankruptcy order, writes PETE BLENCH.

George Black who runs a pawnbroker's shop at Corn Square, Leominster, says he was shocked to learn that he had become bankrupt by default in his absence at court because of another person's bounced cheque.

A public notice published by the Official Receiver last week stated that a bankruptcy order was made against Mr Black of The Square, Bucknell, at Hereford County Court on May 30.

An angry Mr Black said this week that he planned to seek an annulment of the bankruptcy at Hereford on July 2.

"I am not the slightest bit insolvent - this is a very profitable business and we own the property," said the pawnbroker, who is in partnership with his father.

He said the receiver had allowed the business to carry on trading while he sought the annulment.

Mr Black, who is building a new house for his parents, said he was held liable when a cheque from a builder to a brick supplier bounced.

He binned letters about the issue on the basis that the financial dispute had nothing to do with him. He still felt that was the case and was angry that he had been declared bankrupt by default. It had caused stress to his family.

Mr Black said he moved very swiftly to settle the issue and was confident the bankruptcy order would be quashed next month.

He also plans to seek to have the original judgement set aside at a court hearing in August.