Said it all on the phone but the lady there insists they can take as long as they like and they're unable to take it back from Marston's-no matter how much I say that's not correct they're just not going to budge.

I am in London,the fine was originally set by Bromley magistrates and when I called Bromley magistrates today they told me to call who then told me to call Tower Bridge and spoke to very pleasant young lady who after conferring with colleagues said that they were unable to take back a debt that Marstons are working on and that even if it is after 180 days it makes no difference and that Marston's can take an indefinite period of time as there is no set limit,I told her I had been advised otherwise and asked if she could suggest another agency that could advise me on this to which she responded if I disagreed my only option is to speak to a solicitor however obviously time is not on my side to take that course. By the way the fees already added are precisely £67.00 admin and £175.00 attendance just for the letter of distress to be put through my door!

Just a quick update-letters are on their way have also telephoned the court and spoken to dept. that deal with bailiffs asking them to take it back due to exceeded time limit and have been told "that's not really how we work" I then repeated what has been advised regarding the 180 days and have been told they're not aware of that and are unable to take the debt back form the bailiffs.

We have received so many similar complaints as this and this is why it is VITAL that you WRITE to Marstons by both e-mail and REGISTERED POST to advise them that you had attempted to contact them on receipt of their letter and they REFUSED to accept a very reasonable payment proposal and that for this reason you are having to pay the fine direct to the Magistrates Court and that if the company then attempt to charge you an additional visit fee of £175 you will be making a FORMAL complaint to the HMCS Regional Contracts Manager concerning the management of your account by Marston Group. HMCS Contract with Marston Group provides that the Distress Warrant MUST be returned back to the court after 180 days. This is why you should now pay the Magistrates Court direct...but for the fine ONLY not the bailiff fees of £50 (letter fee) Thank you for some very good advice, I did e-mail Marstons after the failed telephone attempts but no response as yet and from what I've seen on this site won't be expecting a reply either! Seems obvious the only reason they refuse to speak to me is so the the bailiff does have to call and therefore charge a visit fee. Will send the letter today which will also include a request as to exactly why there are already charges of £249.00 added,looked at their table of fees and can't see where it's from. Will update the thread with any response.

I did yes,thanks

Hi please can anyone advise as not getting anywhere! had a notice of removal when I got home today,telephoned the numbers on the letter 9 times and no response then Marstons call centre 5 times and they refused to speak to me unless I was making immediate full payment,offered half but won't accept it. Apparently the debt was passed to marstons on 13/11/2008 so obviously past 180 days and was wondering does anyone know if the 180 day limit would apply.

Hi,can anyone please advise whether 180 days time limit for distress warrant applies in my case. Marstons bailiffs delivered a removal notice to my home today and although their call centre refuse to discuss it with me I did get them to confirm that they were passed my fine to collect by the magistrates court on 13/11/2008.The call centre agent said I could only talk to the bailiff when he calls which will be in a few days but obviously I will be paying extra for that! Have called national debtline but they are unaware of any time limit.