ESTATE agent Fox and Sons has confirmed that its branch in High Street, Wellington, which closed recently, will not be re-opening, writes Barry Knott.

In a statement the company said on Wednesday: “This was a commercial decision following a strategic review of our business across the south of England, and our customers will continue to be well served by the nearby branches of Taunton, Tiverton, Minehead and Crewkerne that surround Wellington.

“We are offering team members redeployment locally, which will provide continuity for our customers, and we are hoping there will be no redundancies.

“Fox & Sons is part of the Sequence network of estate agents, which remains committed to growing its branch network, as recently evidenced by the opening of William H Brown Stevenage.”

The surprise branch closure means Wellington now has only four estate agents – Wilkie, May & Tuckwood, Stags, Webbers and Gibbins Richards.

The housing market is buoyant at the moment with the axing of stamp duty until March having a particular effect, especially with higher priced properties.