Millionaire entrepreneur developer Eamonn Ryan has said he is to appeal to the European Courts of Justice over money he allegedly owes.

It follows a county court hearing last August brought by estate agents Strutt and Parker against Mr Ryan claiming unpaid invoices from Mr Ryan totalling approximately £35,000.

The firm's claim was upheld and an application to appeal was refused. An application to the Court of Appeal to appeal was dismissed .

The firm subsequently lodged a petition in bankruptcy against Mr Ryan under the Land Charges Act, 1972,to secure payment.

The petition which was heard this month was deferred after Mr Ryan paid part of the money and agreed to pay the rest.

Mr Ryan, who is the man behind controversial plans for Frinton's town centre's first pub and Thorpe Hall, said the invoices concerned mainly Strutt and Parker's entitlement to commission and marketing costs of two properties owned by Mr Ryan.

Mr Ryan, who lives near Danbury, was ordered to pay the total amount plus interest and costs.

He hopes a challenge in the European Court could result in a review in agency practice.

A spokesman for Strutt and Parker confirmed that its solicitors had lodged the bankruptcy hearing following a county court ruling in its favour at Southend in August.

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