Heart Searching: Together leaves London

TOGETHER, an introduction agency that has been the subject of widespread complaints, has closed its London operation, writes David Marsh. But last night the controversial US- based organisation revealed that it would continue to operate in the UK. Susan Berlack, general manager, confirmed Together had ceased trading in London, but its franchised offices in Manchester and Winchester would remain in business.

Westminster trading standards department received more than 100 complaints regarding Together's alleged 'hard-sell' techniques. The agency was also the subject of an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading. Ms Berlack admitted there had been 'management problems', but said the agency's 6,000 members in Britain would continue to be supplied with introductions.

Together was featured on the Independent Personal page in April in a series of articles by Linda Joffee headed 'Together? I'd rather be on my own'. She related how one dissatisfied member took legal action to recover his money after paying more than pounds 1,000 to the agency.