Knight Frank has confirmed the closure of one office, but says it is the only branch that it is shutting.

The Berkhamstead office, in Hertfordshire, will close at the end of this month.

It was at Berkhamstead that rogue agent James Beck worked: he is now serving an 18-month prison service. It is thought he left the day his crimes were discovered.

The office currently shows an almost perfect rating in terms of Google reviews – a 4.7 rating in 33 reviews.

A spokesperson said of the impending closure: “Following an in-depth analysis of the market and in order to create a multi-discipline office, Knight Frank have decided to consolidate the Beaconsfield and Berkhamsted offices in the Hertfordshire and south Buckinghamshire region.

“The Knight Frank Berkhamsted office will therefore close at the end of April with all sales staff moving over to Beaconsfield to join the existing team, covering town and country property across both regions, along with residential development and new home specialists.

“This will allow the team to provide the best possible service to clients and purchasers alike.”