Baggy
I doubt they were intending to close anything. Sterling was the only part of the group that had any decent contracts and they've screwed them up. They do seem to be consolidating, probably in hope of hiding past mistakes and getting more money(mortgages).
Is Sterling still going or have they been closed?
AC
I have heard before that there is a long running battle between the airfield and Longmint. Stories of Baliffs and refusing fuel are around. The "no fly" zone is an interesting development though.
The group are renowned for being bad payers, I do wonder whether aircraft owners know this or are they being paid on time!