Wrong number

May 15 2011 by Ian Robson, Sunday Sun

PATRICK Murray asked for my help when he was confused by contradictory statements from BT.

He received three statements in quick succession saying he was £52 in credit, then £92 in debit, and finally £71 in debit.

Patrick, who pays monthly through his bank, was told a new payment scheme of £56 per month would be set up.

But he was given different dates when the new scheme would start.

Patrick, of Felling, South Tyneside, said: “I don’t how much I have to pay or when it will be taken. I have tried to get it sorted myself but the call centre has passed me from pillar to post.”

Fortunately I know how to bypass the call centre and spoke to my trouble-shooter at BT. I was told a case handler has arranged to reduce the monthly payment again to a more acceptable £25.

She said: “I would like to apologise to Mr Murray for any confusion and inconvenience caused.”

V MEANWHILE I am still battling away for scaffolding firm Ezee Scaffolding, of Benton Square, Newcastle, also with a BT problem.

Owner Michael Allan claimed he was losing business because his broadband connection has been intermittent.

He said: “It is sometimes working, sometimes not working, and I am losing money because I have a lot of contracts with customers who contact me by email.”

It’s been a hard one with engineer after engineer failing to provide a permanent solution.

The last comment from BT said: “Looks like this is sorted ... broadband up and running, although we will continue to monitor.”

That was at 12.30pm but by 2pm Michael reported a further problem with his fax machine.

Back to the drawing board, BT.