SIR, - JUST exactly what is wrong with tradesmen on the Fylde Coast?

We moved to the area a little more than two years ago from Liverpool - a move we still feel was a wise decision. But our plans to make the house look and feel our own have highlighted a peculiar habit among the area's tradesmen - they simply don't appear to want work.

We have asked five separate specialists quote for paving our path and drive - only two turned up.

Likewise, with double glazing.

Only two companies turned up and one of those needed chasing.

And when we finally signed up for the double glazing, what happened - exactly nothing!

Our quote stated the work would commence in six weeks.

Five weeks later we chased the firm up and again two weeks later - this was for a measure-up, not the actual fitting.

Don't get me wrong, the firms we have contacted and, indeed, decided to use were recommended to us and we are more than pleased with the appearance of their work.

It's just getting them to start which is the problem.

We have work waiting to be done and want to spend our money with local craftsmen, but they don't seem to want it.

So two years on we are still trying our very best to change the look of our home to how we want it.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if people started offering tenders for work to firms off the Fylde, just to get the job done.

And that's a situation that won't help the Fylde one jot.

Name and address supplied.

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