Hi karches, It got a bit more complicated... I sent Morrison a letter of intent (think that's what it is called) explaining my intended course of action (small claims court). I sent this to their local hq and their national hq. I received a letter from their national hq almost immediately stating that they had further sub contracted the work to CLC utilities. So I wrote the same style letter to CLC who wrote back explaining that they could not see how my explanation could possibly have happened. I thanked them for their response and explained that it really did happen that way. No response so I filed a SCC (MCOL) against CLC. No response until the day before judgement when they coughed up the repair bill + court cost. So, yes it was long winded but I got all my money back and without too much effort. I'd definitely do the same again. Hope that helps? I'm tapping this in on my phone, sitting on a campsite in Henley on Thames, with a beer in my hand - if I can help further please ask. Alan

BUMP Still curious... Is there a 'standard' hourly rate for hours spent getting my car fixed, and claiming? I'm guessing this would be for 2 or 3 hours at most. If MU disputed the claim and it went to county court then I would need to take time off work, would I be able to claim for this, if so how - since the time taken would not be known at the time of the MCOL application so I wouldn't be able to state a number of hours. Thanks Alan

maramaris30, Comprehensive answer, thank you. I hadn't thought about claiming for my time. Is there a 'standard' hourly rate quoted for this? I'm guessing this would be for 2 or 3 hours at most. If MU disputed the claim and it went to county court then I would need to take time off work, would I be able to claim for this, if so how - since the time taken would not be known at the time of the MCOL application so I wouldn't be able to state a number of hours. Stu007 I have spoken to Southern Water and they seem to have no interest in the matter. Good idea about a formal complaint, I guess it can’t do any harm. Cheers Alan

Hi, I have just signed up to this website, hoping to get advice on a problem I’ve recently experienced. Sorry... it’s a long one...... On a very windy day in June I was driving to a garage to get my car MOT’d when a temporary diversion sign was blown into the side of my car, scraping 2 doors and the rear wheel arch. I took several photos of the scene which clearly show that there were no sandbags holding down the diversion signs. Thinking it was a Council sign, I contacted the local Council who sent one of their Highway Department people to check the site, the visit took place 5 days after my incident. The Highways dept. reported back to me that the diversion sign was the responsibility of the local water authority (Southern Water) the Highways guy took several photos which he kindly passed on to me, these also showed that there were no sandbags anchoring the diversion sign. So I got onto Southern Water. After 4 weeks (took several nudges) they told me the diversion sign was the responsibility of one of their contractors ‘Morrison Utilities’. So I got onto Morrison Utilities. Morrison Utilities wrote to me to stating that they don’t accept liability. They suggested that I contact my insurers to remedy the situation. Well by this time... (1) It is now past the 30 day limit my car insurers allow for incidents to be reported. (2) I am irritated by Morrison Utilities response:mad2:. It seems to me that this is their fault? If I had contacted my insurers then they would undoubtedly increase the insurance premiums on my car, my wife’s car (I am named on the policy), and my motorcycle. According to this government document it appears that the use of sandbags on temporary signage is mandatory: practicalguidetostreetworks.pdf (I can't post the link to it as I haven't made 10 posts yet - but it can be googled.) If I get my car repaired (cost will be about £500) would I be able to claim this back using MCOL? Any suggestions and advice would be helpful please!