I AM writing to you out of desperation and in a rather tongue-in-cheek way to relay my ongoing unsuccessful experience in trying to persuade certain tradesmen to arrive on the days they have promised to attend to carry out the work they have contracted to deliver after asking them politely, and then when that fails by cajoling, persuading or even pleading with them.

The most difficult situation you can find yourself in is when they do actually attend and instead of being ready to start the work, they inform you that they just need to check what is required before they can continue.  They then  promptly leave and are not seen again for a considerable time. Guess what,  I fall for it ever time.

However, I am now reaching the point that when they do call in that way I will politely invite them in and then promptly take away their ignition keys, and then handcuff them and lock them in until they carry out the work with what equipment they do have , or perhaps hold them to ransom until the required equipment and services are delivered and more importantly completed.  My concern is that with so many 'prisoners'  held in captivity it could cost me a considerable amount of money to support them over several months — or even years!

I am sure that I am not the only person who finds these situations very irritating and am sure that there are many services and professions where similar problems occur. On a positive note I do have many experiences where promises have been kept so perhaps it isn't so bad after all — of course unless you know better?

Iain Andrews

Inswell Court

Tavistock