Day gets better for Raymond

Nov 27 2011 Sunday Sun

A TOP department store has apologised after a bereaved pensioner had problems getting money from his late wife’s store account.

Raymond Day, 76, told me how he tried to retrieve a small amount of cash from his wife June’s account.

He was told to take a copy of the death certificate to John Lewis in Newcastle but, once there, he was put in touch with head office which demanded a letter from his solicitor proving he was her executor.

Raymond, of Tynemouth, North Tyneside, said: “Whoever I spoke to was a jobsworth. I was prepared to take the certificate in but I do not see the need to prove I was the executor of the will or employ a solicitor to send a letter.

“There is a credit balance of £18 and I am sure you know it could cost more to employ a solicitor than was in the account.

“But they have refused to give me the money unless I do what they say. Is there anything Mr Justice can do?”

I spoke to head office, passed on Raymond’s details, and they immediately promised action.

And, just a day later, there was good news.

A spokeswoman told me: “We are always sorry to hear that a customer is dissatisfied with any service of ours, particularly when it is around such a sensitive subject.

“Mr Day’s details were passed to our financial services team based here in head office. They have since contacted Mr Day to resolve the situation and I am told that he is happy with the outcome.”

The final word goes to Raymond. He told me: “A cheque is on its way with a letter of apology and some vouchers. They said what I had been told about getting a solicitor was not on. Thank you so much for making them see sense.”