A PENSIONER in Poole was charged hundreds of pounds for a few minutes' work to fix a couple of lights.

Seventy-two-year old Jenny Kenyon from Ashley Cross phoned Southern Plumbing Services last weekend after a light in her lounge and kitchen blew.

As soon as the electrician arrived on Monday morning he asked Mrs Kenyon to sign a contract and shortly afterwards disappeared for over an hour to buy the plastic ceiling rose.

When he returned Mrs Kenyon said it took only a few minutes to fix the lights and she was then presented with a £329.58 bill.

The electrician had also promised to take around a ring needed to fit the kitchen light back into the ceiling, which has still not been done.

Family friend Susie Hosking said: "I was horrified when I found out how much this had cost.

"I'm very sad for Jenny. She is a pensioner and lives on a limited income and can get confused sometimes."

She added: "Jenny feels very embarrassed about this. She is an elderly lady who is very trusting. I know they have done nothing legally wrong but I think it is immoral."

She also said people her son knew in the trade believed £50 would have been more than enough to cover the work done.

The contract Mrs Kenyon had signed said in large print that labour was £47.50 - then in small print underneath it said for every half an hour and part of every half an hour.

The man stayed for just over two hours and charged the pensioner £43 for the ceiling rose.

Andy Crossen-White, principal trading standards officer from Poole, said: "I would advise anyone before they get anyone to go in and do anything to get the price agreed before in writing. Once something is agreed in writing it's difficult to get out of." Southern Plumbing Services has not commented despite assurances of a response.

The Daily Echo telephoned the company on February 1, 3 and 4 and visited its premises twice on February 8.

FACT FILE

Electrician: A call-out and first hour fee would cost £45 from Christchurch-based PB Electrical Services. The cost of a ceiling rose would be "less than £5".

Solicitor: Meesons Solicitors, Ringwood, charge £25 - £29.38 with VAT - for half an hour consultation.

Plumber: DPS Drain and Pipe Specialists from Bournemouth charge £45 for the first half an hour of clearing drains - if it is a simple job. If specialist equipment, such as jets, must be used it can go up to £120.

First published: February 9