ESTATE agents in two East Lancashire towns are beginning to feel the pinch as a result of the credit crunch.

Two estate agents have announced they are scaling back their activities in Burnley and Ramsbottom.

Crown Estate and Lettings Agents, which has a branch in Manchester Road, Burnley, has temporarily shut its outlet.

Notices posted in the shop window redirect customers towards the firm’s main branch in Sudell Cross, Blackburn.

And estate agents Rayson Wilshaw have temporarily closed their base in Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, “due to the credit crunch”.

Customers are being redirected to the company’s other branches in nearby Holcombe Brook, Bury town centre, and Edgworth, near Darwen.

Earlier this year the Lancashire Telegraph reported how Saxton’s Residential Lettings, which once had offices in Rawtenstall, Crawshawbooth and Bacup, had collapsed.

County council trading standards officers warned customers not to pay any rents to Saxton’s, amid claims landlords were owed thousands of pounds in missing payments.