That's quite a find! Thanks for taking the time to look that up. I doubt JL will go for cash, preferring me to spend money in-store, but it would be interesting to mention this when speaking to them. Thanks again, kabukiman.

Hi all, I would welcome the advice of other CAGGER's regarding a problem with an ironing board we purchased from a John Lewis store in 2010. After going through a number of cheaper ironing boards, we decided that the one own-branded item looked very sturdy and was built to last. Unfortunately not, though... it collapsed on me yesterday due to the weld joining the board to the legs completely failing. Here's the item: http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-circles-ironing-board-l135-x-w46cm/p231402952 As you can see, it was not a cheap product. It's currently 80 GPB, we bought it for 75. I've called John Lewis to complain about it and that my expectations regarding the price and solid-looking construction have not been fulfilled. I had hoped that such an item would last longer than this. At the moment they are falling back on the 2 year guarantee, and as it is outside of that time, the most they would be willing to offer is store vouchers to the value of 35 GBP. They state that there have not been any other failures of this product, certainly within the same batch. Do you think this is a reasonable offer? I know that JL tends to be good when it comes to customer service, in some cases better than a lot of retailers out there, but I am still disappointed that such an expensive purchase has failed so soon. Thanks.

Hi all, I wanted to make people aware of my current situation, and possibly find out if others have experienced the same. Last year I received a leaflet from my local council (Southampton City Council) advising homeowners to take advantage of totally free insulation. I initially was reticent about using someone that my local council recommended, and therefore my first application was via Sainsbury's Energy, with the work being carried out by British Gas. I should add that my application was in before the deadline of 31/10/2012. The earliest survey they could carry out would be February of this year, so I looked at my local council's offering again. They had teamed up with a company called the Environment Centre, which arranged a survey within a few weeks via another company they had partnered with called the Snug Network. The survey was carried out, and it was confirmed on my the report that the cost would be nil - nothing to pay at all. By earlier this week I still hadn't heard anything so I gave the Snug Network a call via the number on the survey form. I was advised that my free insulation was no longer free and that I would be required to pay £315 if I wanted the work completed. I was told that their funding partners, British Gas, have withdrawn their funding. It's all pretty complex, so I called British Gas to find out more. In my case, they are looking to reinstate my previous application through Sainsbury's Energy, but personally I don't think this is fair on other customers who had been encouraged to use the Environment Centre/Snug Network. I don't blame the Environment Centre one bit, the very nice person I have spoken to there has been very helpful and apologetic, and is still trying to unravel the problem. From what I have learned so far, Ofgem had warned the big 6 about not meeting targets on reducing carbon emissions and threatened fines of up to 10% annual turnover if these were not met by 31/12/2012, though any work carried out after this date would be taken into account. So, it seems a little odd that the Snug Network has had it's funding withdrawn by British Gas. It would be good to hear if anyone else has experienced this. The media hasn't shown any interest, and a call to Ofgem was put through to the Energy Savings Trust helpline, and they didn't want to know. TIA.

Ok, thanks for that. I think that the call originated from within the UK, so I've just spoken to Action Fraud and explained some of the details and that it seemed a little odd and the guy there agreed. He suggested that I explain everything and they would have a quick look into it to see whether someone has made an insurance claim using my details.

Yes it is a bit spooky. Hi unclebulgaria67, thanks for the reply. When the guy from DBS Law Ltd/ClaimsToday called me back, he had a quick search around using my name, phone number and vehicle registration and stated that they don't hold any information at all on their database. Of course I asked him to ensure that my details are not added to any lists, etc. I could send a SAR to them just in case. I've also just called the ICO back as it may be useful to trace where the phone call yesterday originated from... I am certain it was from within the UK. Do you know of anyone who has had any luck from O2 in getting hold of the originating number when it has been withheld? That number could prove useful in confirming where they got my details from. The ICO advised me that that type of information would not be dealt with under the DPA, and that perhaps the Police would have better luck in tracing the call. If that's the case, should I just contact my local station, or is there a certralised fraud office or number I should call? Thanks again.

Morning all, I had a rather strange phone call yesterday afternoon on my mobile number from a company calling themselves CTS Lawyers. The call was about the accident I had. Obviously under normal circumstances I would immediately think that the company is on a 'fishing trip' and would tell them to go away. The odd thing about this was that firstly the number was withheld. Secondly he knew my name, but the significance here is that 4 years ago my name changed due to civil partnership. He asked for me by my previous name. Furthermore, he said that my details had been passed to them via some broker, though he wouldn't tell me who, AND that it was about a rear-shunt accident in a car we owned 5 years ago. It's all rather strange. According to the ICO, they have a company called DBS Law Ltd which trades under several names, one of them being ClaimsToday Solicitors, being based in Broad Street Birmingham. The receptionist told me that CTS Lawyers is one of their trading names, though when someone called me back he denied this and stated that they have an ongoing Police investigation regarding an outfit potentially using their name. The DVLA confirmed yesterday that the car is no longer registered in my civil partner's name. As I said earlier, normally I would just discount this type of call, but it was the fact that he seemed to know pertinent information about me and the vehicle, which being slightly paranoid makes me wonder if someone is or has attempted to make a fraudulent insurance claim with my details. On the back of this, I have contacted the Motor Insurance Bureau, and a manager there told me that could search against their database to see if they hold any records of an insurance claim made in my name or against the vehicle. I should add that I haven't had an accident since 1995. Can anyone think of anything else that I may have missed? More importantly if there is anyone out there that has had a similar call from a company calling themselves CTS Lawyers? TIA.

With hindsight I would have examined the short contract more closely and compared it with other estate agent contracts. Which have one on their website as an example. I at least have the keys now, so that's the main thing. It is a shame they were so poor, I really wanted to use a local business and for my money to help them rather than use a bigger chain. After doing some more research I think I shall try Sarah Beeny's new website, Tepilo for a month or so and see what happens.

No, the price was reasonable for the area. My personal view is that they didn't really push it at all. Although the contract is only a few paragraphs long, the withdrawal fee is noted. I collected the keys earlier after a 4 hour drive, and nothing was mentioned about the fee. They've removed the listing completely along with the sale board, so as far as I'm concerned they're in breach of contract. Hopefully they won't push for the fee but if they do I'll take it further.

Could a mod please put this in the appropriate subforum? As mentioned above, lettings seemed the closest match so apologies for posting in this subforum.

Hi all, This isn't a letting jproblem but something wrong with the estate agent I instructed to sell my home... Sorry if there is another sub forum, I couldn't see one for house purchases or sales. Also my apologies for the length of the post. I instructed an agent back in August on a single agency 16 week initial contract. From start to finish they have been a nightmare, with the property not being advertised on all of the websites they say they will. I've had to contact them on a weekly basis to chase this up, and they have not secured any viewings at all. The relationship has soured somewhat, so I decided that I sold not allow the contract to roll on after the initial 16 week period, and as termination would be required in writing, I sent a letter to this effect earlier this week. They replied stating that according to their terms and conditions I would have to pay a £50 withdrawal fee which I'm arguing against due to the problems experienced... But there has been a further development. They stated that 15 days notice is required to cancel, and I stated in my letter that the contract would not be terminated until the end of the initial period, at the end of this month. They have in the last day withdrawn the listing from all of the websites and also had the sale board removed from the property. Now, as we have already moved I spoke to my neighbour to confirm this, so I want to pick up the keys that I gave the agent on Monday. The issue is whether they will refuse to hand them over until I pay their small fee. Technically I think they have definitely breached their own contract as they have withdrawn the listing far earlier than the contract states, and also way before I requested it. The thing is, if they do withhold the keys is this still a civil matter, or can I call the Police? I'm hoping to still resolve this amicably but I doubt at the moment that this will happen. Thanks in advance, Rich.

We checked yesterday morning, and still nothing so called Barclays. They said that it would be there by today at the latest, and just required someone in NYC to push a button to transfer the money here. Also unlike others, it had not been placed in the account and then transferred out. Anyhow, it's here at last, so we can exchange contracts and complete on the new house. . Thanks for the help.

Thanks for the links there. I don't know if there'd is an entry on the account statement showing the funds initially coming in and then being withdrawn... I'll have to check with my partner. I do know that a day after the payment was instigated we had a letter stating that the process could take a number of weeks, and that we needed to phone them if we still wanted to go ahead. I get the feeling that they're hiding behind MLR just sovthat they can generate a little work or more importantly interest for themselves. I certainly can't understand how they can question anything if the account the money is sent from is exactly the same as the account being paid into, but there we are. We've also been told today to expect it no later than Friday.

Hi all, I'm hoping someone else will have some experience of dealing with an international funds transfer from the US into a Barclays bank account here. My partner has successfully managed it before without any major issues, and they usually take only a few days. However, we're in the latter stages of moving and transferring money from the States here, and Barclays are saying that due to it being a larger amount of money, they are holding on to it, The cheque was paid in almost a month ago and took a few days to leave the bank account over there. It has now apparently been sent electronically to Barclays HQ in the States and may get here this week, maybe not. Barclays when questioned have stated that this delay is due to legal reasons, but have not been able or willing to confirm these in detail. Can anyone shed any light or experience on this, as we're waiting for this to clear to cover our deposit. Thanks.

I've just spoken to Acenden, they seem to be pretty busy this morning. They've confirmed two things for me. The charges are listed under section 10 of my mortgage offer, so for me it's £190 for the Early Repayment Fee and the Deeds Release Fee. I also need to pay £35 for the up-to-date redemption figure. They also confirmed that I do not need to inform them if I wanted to put the house on the market.

I've just rooted out the offer and terms and conditions. I'm outside the expensive period for repayment so according to the offer there's just the Eary Repayment and Deeds Release fee, which is good. I just hope that it's a reasonably quick sale, but it's certainly a shame that there are thrrre other properties in my row for sale - two of them renovations.