My elderly mum has paid £££ to a landscaper - he damaged her property and won't fix it!

[Badvoc]

I will try to keep this brief.
Landscaper did my mums front and back garden.
Big job, completely re did both.
Got rid of hedges, greenhouse and moved shed. New patio, path etc.
Anyway, whilst doing TH work his labourer drive into the (new) gate post with the mini digger.
It broke the post. Instead of replacing he has tried to repair it and bodged it.
This has made the fence panel split and the gate now won't close properly.
He is not answering my mums calls and after is poem to him last week said he would come and look at it again. He hasn't been.
I gave him the number if the builder who did the fences and gate for him to get a quite on fixing it and he hadn't been contacted either.
Mum paid by cheque before even getting a bloody receipt :(
What can I do?
If anything?
Dh is going to go round and see him.
Do I threaten small claims court?
Mum paid him £11k,
I am really pissed off.

I think you need to write a letter listing the issues and a timescale for their resolution. If he fails to adhere to this or agree anything with you I'd see a solicitor or the CAB. You could also report to trading standards.

Good luck - I hope you get it sorted.

hi Badvoc, so sorry to read this is from you! As if you haven't enough going on...

the best advice I'd give you is go to Age Concern, they must have experience of this, it must happen a lot.

failing that CAB, they will defo be able to advise.

I had similar with my mum and a stairlift, but got to her before she signed anything...

its so hard and utterly frustrating, you just cant be there all the time

hugs to you xx

age concern I think must have a website to tell you where the local branch is, failing that your local council should know as the offices may be in council buildings

the few times I went to age concern they were very nice and gave me advice, but to get the actual law on this I'd probably go to CAB first x

At least she paid by cheque so there is a paper trail of him being paid , I agree with sending a letter ,recorded delivery ( for proof) ,telling him what you want and by when as a starting point.

Thank you all.
She is being very very difficult about it all...I think she realises she has made a huge mistake paying prior to getting a receipt.
And is furious at us for pointing it out!
I am going to ask my bil or dh to take over with it as - tbh - I need a break.
Hope you are ok ssd x

you cant win with your mum just now, can you

I know its very difficult, you have my sympathy!

theres an elderly parents section here, its under "other", it might help to post there for advice, someone else might have been in the same circumstances and found a good solution...I hope so, thats a real headache for you xx