'We deserve an explanation': Brides-to-be lose thousands after Pontefract bridal shop suddenly closes

Abbey Bridal sent an email to customers earlier this month to say it was shutting due to the ‘rapidly declining economic state of the United Kingdom’.

But brides waiting for their gowns – after paying for them – have said they haven’t had any communication with the shop’s owner, Jessica Sykes, to explain why.

Madeleine Roberts, who is getting married to fiancé Mat in Cyprus this October, said visited the shop on Ropergate in November last year.

"I found my dress and loved it. I paid for it straight away.

"The money went out of my bank and Jess said she would be in touch in August when the dress was ready from the manufacturer.”

Believing all was well, Madeleine continued to plan her big day until she received an email from Abbey Bridal earlier this month.

"The email said the store was closing.

"I didn’t really worry at first as I had paid for the dress in full and didn’t think there wouldn’t be an issue.

"But then I went on Facebook and saw so many messages from other customers.”

Madeleine drove to the shop and spoke with Jess.

"I gave her a cuddle and asked what was going on.

"She said my dress was ordered and I would still get it. I left feeling reassured, but the more I read what other customers were saying, the more worried I became."

Madeleine said her dress is now with another bridal shop, but she is having to pay extra to the manufacturer due to mistakes made by Abbey Bridal.

"It’s with our banks how – the transaction has been put on hold, but it’s not guaranteed I’ll get my money back.

"It needs rectifying for everyone affected and I won't stop until it's sorted.

"There have been many opportunities for an explanation.”

The Express has contacted Abbey Bridal for comment.

In a post on its website, owner, Jessica Sykes said she had recently suffered serious illness but was working to put things right.

The post said: "Due to the rapidly declining economic state of the United Kingdom, it is with deepest regret, we have chosen to close the doors for the last time at Abbey Bridal.

"It has become clear to me that the longer we wait, the worse the cost of living crisis gets. Your budgets are lower, and you are having more intimate weddings and this has had a major impact on the bridal industry.

"In the last few months there have been a number of bridal businesses in Yorkshire alone that have closed their doors and it has become clear that I am just putting off the inevitable.

"For my mental health, for my children's, it is time. I didn't survive cancer, just to survive and be in constant worry."

The post added: “If you are one of our brides left waiting for a dress or a refund, rest assured, I am dealing with this and if you have not yet had a reply to your email, it is because it is taking longer to gather the answers to your questions."

She said she was working through refund requests.