Tim Ward

Yes, agree about Nick: he brings the right tools and glues and recommends the right paints, and his assistant was a very careful painter and decorator. He has done numerous small jobs for me and has recently decorated a bedroom to a high standard. Tends to be busy, but not so busy he's never available.

I have reported them, but not having a postcode makes it difficult. I paid them by bank transfer. Some people have to scrounge a living whatever way they can. Hey Ho.

Thanks for the kind words. Anyone got recommendations for people/companies who could do any of the following? Rebuild a garden wall in 9" London stock brick, including being knowledgable about need for planning permission. Repair a couple of well-designed but badly executed garden ponds Build excellent quality trellis fencing, including arches. Looking forward to some constructive replies !

My garden ponds needed a new liner, and our horse chestnut tree had leaf miner. Crossings Tree and Landscapes, recently working in Camberwell Grove, seemed knowledgable and confident and had a professional looking van. Unfortunately they left both ponds leaking, and said the used "Murphy Mortegg" on the tree - which I see from the internet has been illegal since 2004. Looking at the tree, I see no evidence it has been sprayed. They said they would come back to do repair, but repeated phone calls to 020 8485 7232, and to 07733 270 216, have resulted in no reply and on one occasions I heard breathing at the other end ! Their address, "Bridge End Farm, Dartford" had no postcode. Over ?3000 down the pan !