A FAMILY-run landscape gardening business has gone into liquidation after more than 30 years.

Horseshoe Horticulture Ltd traded from Horseshoe Farm in Broomhill, Wimborne, and employed 24 people.

It became a limited company in 2002 and diversified into groundwork, ‘grey water’ recycling systems and contracts for the national grid.

Alexander Kinninmonth and David Green of RSM Tenon in Southampton have been appointed joint liquidators of the business.

Norman Frampton, a director of the company, attributed its difficulties to problems which occurred on contracts, including overruns, allegations of vandalism and late payment by debtors.

Cash flow problems meant the company was unable to meet its financial commitments and had no alternative but to cease trading.

Joint liquidator Mr Kinninmonth said: “It is a shame to see the closure of such a long-standing family businesses. With profit margins being squeezed, problems experienced on contracts create cash flow pressures which can be difficult to overcome.”