HUNDREDS of people across the country are daily seeking legal help after being swept up by the rising leasehold scandal.

In response to the growing calls to counteract the crisis, Simpson Millar, the law firm handling Ms Darbyshire’s legal action, has created a dedicated legal team to manage the sheer number of daily enquiries.

Headed up by Ms Darbyshire’s solicitor, Robert Godfrey, the legal team is now urging strong action to protect the public.

Mr Godfrey said: “Buying a house is the biggest single investment people make. To find out it may be a financial trap is distressing. People should not be placed in this position.”

He added: “With Brexit on the horizon the property market is uncertain enough, and this issue is putting many of our clients who are hoping to move up or along the housing ladder, at a significant disadvantage.

“Our investigations are in the early stages, but it’s already apparent that more could, and should, have been done to educate people on the longer term ramifications, and to take action to knock such ludicrous clauses on the head in the first place.

“To that end, it is right that the Government also look at whether house builders - many of whom have benefitted hugely from government schemes in recent years - have taken advantage of the public.”