A FARMER has spoken of his disappointment at losing £11,000 after butcher chain Gerald David went into administration.

It is reported that the firm, Gerald David and Family, had debts of more than £1.68 million when it went into administration in October.

Stephen Crossman from Withycombe supplied pigs to Mr David’s shops.

He had worked with Mr David since he opened his Minehead store back in 1969.

Mr Crossman, who owns Court Place Farm, is one of more than 100 trade creditors, who are rumoured to be owed at least £294,000 in total.

He said: “We’re disappointed on many fronts really – firstly that we’ve lost the money and then also for his staff, who have been left high and dry by this.”

Mr Crossman said that Mr David had recently assured him that things were going better for the company and they had started to get things in order.

He said: “We knew things weren’t right, but he had assured me that steps were being taken to get things in order and it looked like that was the case.

“It was a cracking business and we miss the skills of the butchers.

“We’ve been very grown up about it all – you have to be in business, but it has made me a little more wary for the time being.”

So far, administrators, Kirks of Exeter have only identified assets of around £68,000, meaning it is unlikely that trade creditors will see anything back.

Neil Arnold, who owns Neil Arnold Tyres in Minehead, said: “We aren’t owed as much as a lot of other people but I do feel upset.

“I wasn’t shocked when the company went into administration because all of the signs were there. “

There were late payments, slow payments, anytime that happens you know that things aren’t good.

“We know we won’t be getting the money back because the companies who are owed more will clearly be a priority.”