Car dealer bids to clear name

A WARRINGTON car dealer fears he could go out of business after wrongly being linked with Kerry Catona’s estranged husband Mark Croft.
Peter Salem (pictured above) has already seen his Padgate based Parkview Car Sales business fire bombed since press reports suggested the former cabbie was a business partner.
“I have been in business for more than 30 years in Warrington and Lymm and have always had a good reputation and this has now been destroyed over night.”
Peter believes it is no coincidence that his sales pitch at Chapel Walk Garage on Padgate Lane, was targeted by vandals shortly after press reports linked him with Croft.
“It was a professional hit job which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. I have had friends who have known me for years questioning my link with Mr Croft.
“I can categorically state that Mark Croft has never been associated with my business – and never would be!”
During the arson attack two vehicles were fire bombed, while four others had paint stripper poured over them causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
CCTV footage shows two young men running away from the garage after using ignited petrol cannisters and paint stripper to damage six vehicles. If it hadn’t been for the prompt action of firefighters who arrived on the scene in minutes, the whole garage could have gone up in flames.
Since the incident Peter has received annonymous information stating the attack was due to Mark Croft’s reported involvement at the garage.
Peter’s landlord Steve Savage who runs Chapel Walk Motors has sold two vehicles on behalf of Mr Croft and maintains his vehicles in his garage workshop but has never been in business with him.
“The second hand car market is difficult enough due to the economy and the only thing that has kept me going is my good reputation,” added Peter.
“I need to set the record straight and make it very clear that I have had no business dealings with Mark Croft or Kerry Katona.”
The Warrington based celebrity couple have been hitting the newspaper headlines following an acrimonious split.