A KEIGHLEY firm of solicitors has been closed down after a partner was struck off.

Burr Sugden, in Devonshire Street, was shut yesterday by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

It confirms that Timothy John Wilkinson has been struck from the roll.

The closure has come as a shock to many clients, who were unaware of any problem.

Mr Wilkinson had been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal earlier this year and his case was heard this month.

Allegations against him found proven included that he acted in breach of his duties as a professional executor and trustee, failed to act in the best interests of clients, acted where was a conflict of interest or significant risk of conflict and acted recklessly.

Mr Wilkinson was also ordered to pay £65,000 costs.

The SRA said it had exercised 'powers of intervention' to protect clients' interests and Burr Sugden had now shut.

"An intervention means we have closed a firm with immediate effect," said an SRA spokesman.

"We will stop the firm from operating and take possession of all documents and papers and money held by it.

"The SRA has appointed an agent to deal with all matters currently held by Burr Sugden.

"The agent will assess all ongoing matters and deal with those of greatest need first. The SRA's archive team will take control of all documents held by the firm."

He adds that clients with any concerns should contact the agent, John Owen, at Gordons LLP in Bradford on intervention@gordonsllp.com or 01274 703903.

Among people affected by the closure is Leslie Jackson, who is currently selling his late mother's house in Keighley.

Burr Sugden was acting for him.

"We were due to exchange contracts with the buyer today but couldn't complete," said Mr Jackson, who lives in Caernarfon.

"I didn't know anything was wrong until I got a phone call on Wednesday from the person buying the house, who had heard through their solicitor.

"It came as a real shock.

"The buyer wants to get into the house as soon as possible and they had workmen lined up to go in there.

"Everything was in place.

"Gordons is now taking it on. I just hope the delay doesn't affect the sale."

According to Burr Sugden's website, Mr Wilkinson had been with the firm for more than 40 years and a partner since 1974.

His profile described him as concentrating on private client work with a particular focus on wills, trusts, administering estates, powers of attorney and related Court of Protection matters.