Dear LPG,

I have a story with a moral to relate.

In the summer of 2007 I bought a dress-watch at the Bluewater Branch of a fairly large Jewelery chain.  I did pay cash but I kept a record of the day I purchased it, the box and the bill.  (The bill faded and I eventually threw it away).   Five years later it stopped working and I went to a few shops to check if it could be repaired.  The answer was always ‘Yes, but it would be cheaper to buy a new watch!!’  Because of its sentimental value it was a relief when a market stall holder in the borough of Lewisham agreed to repair it.  I paid for the repair and was given a receipt but when I collected it I was given a different watch in working order (same brand/cheaper version).  I told the stall holder the watch was not the one I gave him.  He challenged me and insisted it was, but when I pointed out things about my watch he relented and returned my money and the original watch which was still not working!!

I contacted Trading Standards and the original retailer (who did eventually find their records of my purchase).  A local MP told me to contact the department who issue licensing for the market but I have not had a response.  I feel it is imperative to alert others of the importance of doing all they can to protect their purchases.

ES, Forest Hill