THE MAYORESS of Evesham has raised concerns that vulnerable residents may be persuaded to part with money after they received ‘alarming’ letters warning their homes weren’t on the Land Registry.
Coun Sue Amor, who lives on Kings Road, and a number of her neighbours received letters from Evesham solicitors Parkinson Wright informing them of the problems involved which the solicitors could sort out for a fee.
Homeowners could face problems selling their homes if they aren’t on the registry but after looking into the process Coun Amor said it was easy for homeowners to register their properties without solicitors’ help.
In the letter, Parkinson Wright advertised their help for £195, as well as costs of £10 for pre-application searches, and Land Registry registration fees of £140 to £400 depending on the value of the property.
But the disgruntled Mayoress is concerned the tone of the letter could force vulnerable neighbours into paying the solicitors fee to get their houses registered.
Speaking to the Observer, Coun Amor said: “I was a little concerned to receive an official letter from a firm of local solicitors pointing out that my property wasn’t appearing on the Land Registry, pointing out the drawbacks to not being registered with them and offering to register my property with them for quite a considerable fee.
“I must admit that, although the letter was on official headed notepaper, the tone of the letter alerted me to the fact it was a possible scam.
“I was concerned, not for myself as I checked the facts and realised this was something I could do myself if I wished to, but I was really concerned that some of my elderly, vulnerable neighbours would be very alarmed by this letter and perhaps take this firm up on their offer.
“I did contact the author of the letter to express my concerns but she just iterated that she had done nothing wrong.”
In response, Cyril Arridge, managing partner at Worcestershire-based QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright, said: “I am grateful that this letter was highlighted, as I wish to assure everyone who received it that it was not our intention to mislead recipients or to encourage them to undertake any unnecessary legal work.
“Every prospective client that comes to us is advised on both the cost and benefit of any proposed legal work and we would never advise anyone to pursue any legal matters unless there is a clear benefit to the client.
“Since sending out the letter, dated 3rd March 2017, we have had a number of clients contact us to say what a good idea it is and I’d like to reiterate that we certainly did not intend to cause stress or any form of upset in distributing it.”
