Defrauded franchisees of former Green Acres master franchisee Keith Lapham were dealt a further blow yesterday.
Just when some of them thought they could get their businesses up and running again after two former Lapham employees offered to continue collecting and delivering the ironing, Green Acres issued a legal warning asking the two to stop what they were doing.
Mr Lapham disappeared around December 20 after being questioned by Green Acres chiefs over some 200 bogus franchises, allegedly sold over the past 18 months.
Green Acres has distanced itself from Mr Lapham, but last week told franchisees - predominantly Indian and Chinese immigrants - it would honour the franchises, but with conditions.
These included franchisees paying for new vehicles and new uniforms, agreeing to work at least 35 hours a week, and submitting to security checks.
Driver Ken McCulloch, who worked for Mr Lapham since April last year, had been servicing 11 operators on the North Shore.
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