A PROPERTY firm accused of “bullying” homeowners out of thousands of pounds of cash has begun paying them back.

Thorpe Estates Ltd has reportedly repaid money it charged up to 20 residents of the Burges Estate, Thorpe Bay, to allow them to alter their homes.

Ron Woodley, who as chairman of the Burges Estate Residents’ Association (BERA) been fighting the cash demands for years, said: “I’ve had a lot of calls over the last few days thanking the association and saying they had received funds.

“That I know of, it could be up to 20.”

Mr Woodley, an independent councillor for Thorpe Ward, said he was in direct talks with Nicky Gould, joint owner of the Regis Group, a property giant that owns 51 per cent of Thorpe Estates Ltd, and hoped to call a meeting of BERA to announce a deal within a fortnight.

He said: “Nicky is being very positive in his reaction on going forward and very apologetic about what has happened in the past.

“He is trying to make amends for it and make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future.”

Thorpe Estates Ltd holds a covenant for the estate which allows it to levy a “reasonable administration charge” from leaseholders who want to change their homes.

Police are investigating at least two cases where residents of the 1,800-home estate were charged exorbitant fees to establish whether a crime has been committed.

Insp Matt Bennett said fraud may have occurred if Thorpe Estates Ltd, or an agent acting on its behalf, intentionally lied to a resident and gained money from it.

He said: “I’ve got a detective sergeant dealing with a family subject to demands. They are still gathering information.”

Mr Woodley said: “I’d like to thank the Echo for all its support which has brought the issue to people’s attention.”

A spokesman for Thorpe Estates Ltd said: "We are working closely with BERA to resolve any outstanding issues."