WORKERS have been paid off and customers left in the lurch after a double glazing firm went into liquidation.

Clydebank-based Sunshine Windows (Scotland) Ltd has ceased trading after 12 years fitting and supplying new glazing and doors to customers across west Scotland.

Sixteen employees have been made redundant - three sales representatives and 13 staff at Sunshine's offices in the town's Dumbarton Road.

It's thought 30 sub-contractors, who fitted windows and doors on Sunshine's behalf, have also been affected.

Customers who have paid deposits will have to contact the liquidators in a bid to have their money refunded and outstanding work will not be carried out.

Clients were shocked when they phoned Sunshine's head office to hear a voicemail recording saying the firm was in liquidation and had stopped trading.

Gerry McIlveen was due to have new windows and doors fitted at his Parkhead home this week after signing a £5000 deal with Sunshine.

No-one contacted him to tell him of the firm's demise and he's angry to learn the work won't be carried out - despite paying a deposit.

Mr McIlveen, 41, said: "The accountants told me to send a form to them with details of the deposit but I'm not holding out much hope of getting my money back. At least I haven't paid them the full £5000.

"They also told me our work would not be done because there are no fitters to do the work.

"It will spoil our Christmas because we've decorated the living room and needed a new front door to get a new couch delivered, as it doesn't fit through our current door."

The firm's affairs are being handled by liquidators Campbell Dallas. A spokesman blamed Sunshine's demise on "falling profit margins" and the "credit squeeze".

He added: "Any customers who have paid deposits for work still to be carried out can fill out forms to claim the money back. They will rank as creditors."

But he admitted it could take up to a year for refunds.

He said the firm was unable to fulfil its order book and there are thought to be 20 customers expecting work to be carried out. All have paid 10% deposits.

Sunshine had three directors - Tommy Girvan, Robin Kerr and Derek Forsyth.