Workmen take Bexhill couple's door over payment row

Mandy Jenner and Andy Brown said they had not paid River Windows the £599 for the door as it was not what they wanted.

The issue came to a head when the workmen took the door off its hinges, put it in their van and said they would not get it back until they paid.

The pair’s personal CCTV showed them taking the door from their Cambridge Road house and Ms Jenner said she could not believe her eyes.

“It’s unbelievable and really upsetting – they’re disgusting,” she told the Observer.

“It’s just terrible, if that’s how they conduct their business I’m surprised they are still going.”

River Windows claims it offered the couple a number of options after the door was not what they expected, but they refused.

“In accordance with our terms and conditions, River Windows is entitled to repossess the goods at any time,” a statement said.

“Therefore we had no option but to remove the door.​

“We have explained that if the outstanding balance is paid, the door will be replaced within 30 minutes.”

Ms Jenner said after ordering a window and door, they were having a few issues with how the window had been fitted and the door had the wrong glass.

She claims, after no warning that they needed to pay, a fitter took the door while a salesman distracted the couple with some brochures.

After realising the door had disappeared, David Cox from River Windows rang to inform them they had to pay the full amount to get the door back.

So, being a builder, Mr Brown rushed to B&Q to get some plywood and boarded up the hole.

According to Ms Jenner, the police would not get involved as it is a civil matter but did try to reason with Mr Cox to give the door back.

“If we had known what this company was like we wouldn’t have gone near them with a barge pole,” she said.

“We’re half expecting Dominic Littlewood from Cowboy Traders to knock on the door, well the window as we don’t have a door.”

The company said the house was not left unsecure as there is a porch and they would be happy to resolve the situation.

“Mr Dawson proceeded to threaten the staff of River Windows with physical abuse and the police and his intention of closing the company down by social media, newspapers and television,” the statement continued.

“River Windows is more than happy to resolve any situation, however, we will not respond to threats.”

Ms Jenner’s post on Facebook about the row was rapidly shared with the couple gathering a lot of support.

Joel Ufton from Team Frames saw it and said he was so moved he offered to replace the door free of charge and asked Stuart Johnstone from Harbour Home Improvements to install it for free.

Mr Johnstone said the industry has a bad reputation but wanted to show that most workmen are decent people.

Ms Jenner said she could not thank them enough and it restored her faith in humanity.

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