I've had another email from Lowells this morning and we have come to an agreement where i will be paying £40 a month for 60 months. (i will more than likely clear this quicker than 60 months) In my opinion i feel this is the best option for me at the moment as I really do not want a CCJ against me - this would cause massive problems to my credit file, when i am just getting it back on track after 6 years of having a CCJ and defaults. "It strikes me a little odd that she cant find £75 to p*ss on their bonfire" I dont think it is odd that i cant find the £75, I may not be classed as being on a low income in the courts eyes, but I cannot afford the £75 fee and the £100 to counterclaim - £175 is alot of money for me to find by 18th August when i would have to put my defence in. I will of course be putting a claim in against Barclays for the charges once i can raise the money for the fees. I am expecting a bonus from work end of september so i will be able to pay for it then. I can understand why some of you may think I am going down the wrong route in paying Lowells and I but if it stops a CCJ then im happy with it.

I can afford this amount so i guess i will agree to it, but what i want to know now is that they are definately going to withdraw the claim - how do i get him to confirm this. I am just concerned that they might still go for a CCJ even tho i will be paying it off....any pointers u lovely lot

Hello again! Already had a reply to my email from Lowells! Nearly spilt my coffee ! Heres the reply..... Thank you for your recent email and offer of payment, I can confirm that we would be willing to enter into an agreement with you which involves a consent order however in order to do so we would require a plan of 60 monthly instalments of £43.24 to be paid by Direct Debit. If this is something which you feel you can agree to then please let me know and I will send out the relevant paperwork to you as soon as possible. If you would like to discuss this or any other aspect of your case with me I have included my my direct dial at the bottom of this email, if this is not your preference then please email me direct. Yours sincerely Graeme Danby Litigation Manager Lowell Group of companies 0113 3086 116

OK will do! Thanks guys - lets see what they respond with. I have got until 19th August to get a defence in so hoping this will be sorted before then. Im going to email it now and post it out tonight

I have an email address for them, shall i email it or post it?

How does this sound..... Lowell Financial Reference: xxxxx Claim Number: xxxxx Current Balance: xxxxx Dear Mr Danby, I refer to your letter dated 30/07/2008. In order to save the court's time and further expense on both sides, I would like to offer a repayment of £25 per month to settle this debt. I feel that this is a realistic affordable amount for me to manage. I would be happy to sign a consent form whereby if I fall behind on my instalments you can proceed with a County Court Judgement, however I am confident that I will keep up with all repayments. Please contact me as soon as possible to confirm that you accept my offer of repayment of £25 per month and also that you will withdraw the above mentioned Claim with Northampton County Court immediately. Yours Sincerely Classylady

Hi I have had the same dealings with Bristow and Sutor and they were awful everytime i tried to speak to them they would add more and more onto the debt owed and threaten to take all of my possesions including my car. I tried to make offers of payments, which they said were not enough - after receiving a letter from B&S in April this year demanding almost £900 i decided to ring my council and tell them the amount that B&S were chasing me for - after a lengthly conversation with the council it was agreed that i infact only owed around £280. I told them all about the extra charges, letters etc that i had recieved from B&S and told them i would not deal with them anymore. The council agreed for me to pay them in two installments of £140 to clear the debt and they contacted B&S and withdrew my account from them. The council were really shocked to see how much B&S had added on as 'charges' so they made a formal complaint themselves. Id try contact your local council and explaining the situation. Tell them you feel very intimidated by the bailiffs actions and want to pay the council direct. I hope this helps

Thanks Steven - I have taken a look and i wouldnt be classed as on a low income (even thought i hardly have a penny left each month after bills!) Do you have any advice on how to word the letter to Lowells?

Hi Noomill, What is classed as a low income?

Hi, Can somebody help me draft a letter to Lowells offering a repayment of £30 a month if they can withdraw the court claim against me. I'm thinking of going down this route after having a good think about my options. I am really struggling to raise the court fee to defend their claim so i feel i have no other option. I hope someone can help... Thanks CL

Ok just wanted to check !

Just a quick question.... I have never asked Lowells for any CCA for my debt, is this something i should try and obtain from them? I have a feeling that they wont have anything to produce - as far as i can remember i increased my overdraft over the phone so woulnt have signed anything... Any ideas??

Ok i will send it in tonights post

So do you suggest that i still send the letter to Barclays?

I think it could be a good idea to offer a repayment to them but i could only afford £30 a month - then i could issue a claim against Barclays, which of course will be stayed, but at least i could aviod a CCJ

I have a letter from lowell informing me that the debt had been sold on 30/01/2008 and been appointed as collection agents. Is this the notice of assignment??

Steven - As the account is no longer open do i need to reword this bit.... The above account held by myself was sold to Lowells despite the fact that the balance is made up entirley of bank charges and interest levied thereon.

Am i right in thinking that i should not sign my name at the bottomo of the letter? Ive heard of DCA's copying signitures etc etc

Hi Steven, I have not had an allocation questionnaire sent to me yet. I received the initial Claim Form from Northampton Courts dated 21st July, the 14 days days are up on friday i think. They should have recieved my acknowledgement of service yesterday (i hope). Do they send me an allocation questionnaire out when i they receive my form back? I will send this letter to Barclays today and copy to Lowells and Northampton Court. I'll try not to panic..! your help is really appreciated Steven

I am really worried now that i am going to get a CCJ. I wish i hadnt sent my AOS saying i was going to defend, i feel like i have opened a can of worms here. I dont feel experienced enough to fight this. I am seriously considering trying to get an advanc eon my mortgage to pay this off.

Thank you Gravitas Do you know how i would complete my counterclaim / POC ?

Hee hee i like it

*DCA's

I agree! Do you think that maybe Barclays flogged the debt for peanuts shortly after i had started reclaimg bank charges, knowing that Lowells are complete muppets who will pay diddly squat to be..shall we say.. f*cked be the consumers! I think so... DCAls are so dim!!

Thats a good point Main man - its just how i find out...i mite call the courts, surely they would knwo, theres enough bank charges claims !