My Dad called 1st Access after seeing them in the Yellow Pages.

They turned up and pressurised him into signing a contract before even looking at the problem. Once he signed it, the electrician started saying that he needed to get the parts and would be gone for hours, during which he would still be expected to be paid. My Dad told him to get out, at which the electrician turned nasty and said that they would sue him. They didn't even give my Dad a copy of the contract.

Now they are sending letters for outstanding payments, and threatening to send bailiffs. After calling them, they said that even though no job was done they still charge, even thought heir advert says ‘No call out fee'.

My Dad has since paid, afraid of the bayliffs but I've thrown out all Yeloow pages/ Thompson local directories as they obviously don't vett their listings.

Having done some research, this is something 1st Access have been reprimanded about before - looks like they're still up to their old tricks.

Stay away from this company - they are dishonest and bullies.