aha, thanks for the link. didn't see that before when I searched. I guess i'll try contacting consumer direct. I requested a copy of my agreements which was sent free (much to my suprise) I haven't signed anything I've sent in letters etc. I'm thinking about sending the loan company a £1 token payment whilst I try and sort things out. but with my change in circumstances I really can't afford anything, and have told them this over and over. looks like another letter!

Hi Guys, Been reading up on these forums for a while now, have used a few letters too. This place is a great resource for people in trouble, whn eI get back on track i'll be sure to donate! Any way back to the issue. Its a bit of a story... but here goes. August 2007, I was looking at college courses and home learning courses for IT. I came across Advent Computer Training and thought it looked ok, so filled in the relavent forms for a consultaion. Anyway, a guy came out (full leg in plaster after a mountain bike accident, but still driving a car around ) he gave me all the information and asked me questions. We came to the conclusion that I should proceed with the MCSE. which I thought sounded impressive. Started the course after the 1st CD arrived, and found it really easy. Then I had PC troubles had to buy a new one and restart the course material I had done! not pleased. Anyway a few weeks had gone by I had tried to study as best I could, but with a lot of things happed in my life I could not continue and forgot about the course. At the time of signing up I had opted for the 0% interest free for a year scheme that was so kindly offered to me at the time... This June 2008, I remembered about my course after moving out from living with my mam to my fiances home. I changed jobs and hours (going from 37.5 hours at the time of signing up down to 15.5 hours at my current job). Due to my change in circumstances I contacted advent in the hope I could cancel the course with a reduced penalty. Advent came back straight away and stated that no money would be refunded, and that I could cancel but I would be liable for the full course charges (£4500 + around £5000 in interest!) I appealed and sent in a formal letter of cancellation. This was then greeted by another re-iteration that full payment would be due. I have done nothing on the course, not even sent the 1st unit off. I've just started college on a completely different career path (photography) and can't afford the repayments. Barclay attempted a 1st deduction on the 27th, which bounced as I couldn't cancel the direct debit as it was only setup when the 1st payment was taken. I contacted Barclays previously about cancelling the agreement with them or wiping the debt, they stated that as long as they recieved a cancellatino letter from advent they would cancel my loan. anyway (sorry to drag on difficult to condense down!) I've been sent 3 letters to my old address stating: 29th Aug: 1st payment could not be taken, stating charges of £20, offering to change my payment date for a fee of £25! 4th Sept: (after cancelling Direct Debit) notice of refer to payer asking for the amount, fee of £20 5th Sept: my account is overdue! Charge of £22.50, then if no payment made in the next 10 days a further £22.50 charge for another letter. Barclays do have my new address as I gave it to them when I rang up on numerous occasions as part of DPA. I only got the letters as my mam rang me to tell me I had post! Basically all I want to do is either cancel my course due to change of circumstances and career path, or at the very least some damage limitation. Congratulations if you reached the end of this post, once again apologies for the length, But any help you could give as to what I should to next would be helpful. Thanks in advance. Simon